Aestheticism

Aestheticism was an artistic and literary movement that flourished in Britain in the late 19th century, roughly from the 1860s to the 1890s. The movement centered on the idea of "art for art's sake," emphasizing beauty and sensory experience over moral or political messaging. It rejected the utilitarian and moralistic approach to art that had dominated earlier Victorian thinking, instead advocating for the autonomy of art, where the primary purpose of art was to be beautiful rather than serve as a vehicle for ethical or social critique.

Key Ideas of Aestheticism:

• Art for art's sake: Aestheticism championed the idea that art should be appreciated for its beauty alone, without the need for deeper meaning or moral purpose.
• Beauty as a central value: Artists and writers sought to create works that focused on sensuality, grace, and visual harmony.
• Rejection of utilitarianism: The movement was a reaction against Victorian values that promoted art as a tool for moral instruction or social improvement.

Origins and Influences:

Aestheticism emerged as a response to the industrialization of Britain, which led to a growing focus on mass production and the mechanization of society. Artists and intellectuals within the movement sought a return to craftsmanship, beauty, and refinement. The movement drew inspiration from earlier Romantic ideals, the Italian Renaissance, and Japanese art, as well as the decorative arts of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which emphasized detailed craftsmanship and medieval aesthetics.