Aestheticism & Decadence

What was the Aestheticism Movement?

It was a 19th century European art movement that emphasized aesthetic values more than socio-political themes for literature, fine art, the decorative arts, and interior design (lasted from about 1868 to about 1900).

Philosophy:

the movement centered on the doctrine that art exists for the sake of its beauty alone, and doesn't need to serve any political, Social, or other purpose --> "Art for Art's Sake".

What was the Decadent Movement?

Similar to aestheticism, it was a late 19th century artistic and literary movement of Western Europe that flourished mostly in France. Sought to evoke emotions in audiences.

Philosophy:

Opposed everyday morality, favored art over the natural world, advocated the beauty of art rather than it's social or political purpose.

Attributes/lifestyle:

Involves the recognition, appreciation or criticism of art or an art work. Advocated any behavior that was likely to maximize the beauty and happiness in one’s life.

Questions:

1. What was the philosophy of Aestheticism?

2. how did Hamlet influence Wilde's works?

Aestheticism

& Decadence

Influential Writers & Works:

Aesthetic and Decadent literature comprises of poetry, novels, and short fiction.

Decadent writers used elaborate, stylized language to discuss taboo topics such as death, depression, and sexuality.

Oscar Wilde and Charles Baudelaire were among the most prominent figures.

In relation to Hamlet...

How does Hamlet transcend time?

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" was Wilde's most famously-known literary work.

The novel was actually a critque of the aestheticism lifestyle and philosophy.

Explores the the aesthetic view that the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfillment of the senses---> leads to immoral acts.

• The protagonist's downfall is his excessive pursuit for personal gratification.

-- Explores homosexuality (infatuation) which was a very taboo topic in Victorian Era.

In the novel, "The picture of Dorian Gray", the protagonist (Dorian) quotes Hamlet and relates his life to hamlet's in that he has similarly driven his "girlfriend"to suicide and her brother to swear revenge.

Even many years after the "Hamlet" was Published, certain aspects are seen in other literary works such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray".

Aestheticists and Decadents would have appreciated the open discussion of taboo topics like suicide: "To be or not to Be", Hamlet's opening soliloquy

---> Discusses Morality

Examples of Aesthetic & Decadent Art

J Gleeson, Evening Ceremonies, 1986

"TheJ Peacock Room" designed by ames Abbott McNeill Whistler

Frederic Leighton, 1858-59

Other attributes: white and blue porcelain, birds, plants, nature, etc.

Aesthetic textiles: common attributes included plants and nature.