Aestheticism, a late 19th-century movement, emphasized beauty in art and literature, independent of moral or educational messages. Key figures like Oscar Wilde and the Pre-Raphaelites contributed to its prominence. The movement, rooted in Romanticism, diverged by focusing on sensory experience over nature. Despite its decline post-Wilde's trial, Aestheticism's 'art for art's sake' philosophy remains influential.
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Aestheticism championed the idea that art should be appreciated for its beauty and form rather than for its ability to convey moral or social messages
Romanticism
Aestheticism was influenced by the Romantic ideals of emotion and individualism, but focused more on creating an idealized world of beauty
Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
The Aesthetes were influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites' commitment to detail, vibrant colors, and complex compositions
James McNeill Whistler
Whistler's work contributed to the Aesthetic movement's emphasis on beauty as the sole purpose of art
The 1895 trial and imprisonment of Oscar Wilde, a key figure in the Aesthetic movement, marked a cultural shift and contributed to the movement's decline
Wilde was a renowned writer and scholar, deeply influenced by Aesthetic principles and the works of Walter Pater
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Wilde's novel is a classic example of Aesthetic literature, exploring the interplay between beauty, morality, and art
Social Comedies
Wilde's plays are celebrated for embodying Aesthetic ideals, despite facing criticism for their disregard of conventional morality
The Victorian era was marked by rapid industrialization, social change, and the expansion of literacy and the middle class
Aestheticism challenged the prevailing belief that art should serve a moral or educational purpose, sparking a debate about the function of art in society
Swinburne's collection 'Poems and Ballads' stirred controversy with its sensual themes, exemplifying the Aesthetic movement's focus on beauty and sensory experience
Dowson's lyrical poetry and phrase 'the days of wine and roses' embody the Aesthetic movement's commitment to art's aesthetic qualities
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Prominent figures like ______, ______, ______, and ______ were pivotal in advancing the principles of Aestheticism in Victorian society.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
William Morris
Charles Algernon Swinburne
Oscar Wilde
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Roots of Aesthetic Movement
Originated from Romanticism, valuing emotion and individualism.
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Aesthetes' Focus Shift
Shifted from nature to idealized beauty and sensory experience.
