Aestheticism is a philosophy and an artistic movement of the late 19th century that focuses on the creative process, beauty, and the appreciation of artwork The Aesthetic Movement is based on the idea that beauty is derived from an individual’s experience and can be subjective. It stresses the notion that art should be experienced and enjoyed for its own sake, not just as an expression of a particular opinion or to reflect a social purpose.
The Aesthetic Movement was largely a reaction against the dominant forms of art of the Victorian Age, which emphasized moralism and realism. Instead, Aestheticism sought to portray beauty as a more abstract, personal experience. The philosophy of Aestheticism also emerged in reaction to the industrialization of the time and the commodification of art.
Five Interesting Examples of Aestheticism
1. Art Nouveau: Art Nouveau was an artistic style that had a significant influence on the Aesthetic Movement. Art Nouveau was characterized by its ornamental designs, freehand lines, and an emphasis on natural forms. It was first introduced in the late 19th century, and its main figurehead was the French artist, architect and designer, Hector Guimard. Art Nouveau was an important example of Aestheticism because it focused on the beauty of organic forms, and it allowed for individual interpretation of the artwork.
2. Aubrey Beardsley: Aubrey Beardsley was an English illustrator and writer who was part of the Aesthetic Movement. His work was characterized by a whimsical and grotesque style, which often included satire, eroticism and fantasy. He created a large collection of illustrations based on literary works, such as Oscar Wilde’s tragedy, Salomé, and also on his own ideas. He was an important figure in Aestheticism because his illustrations explored the beauty of unique concepts, as opposed to the realism of the Victorian Age.
3. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of painters and poets who sought to challenge the styles of the Victorian Age. They wanted to use art to express their own personal visions and create a more meaningful, romantic version of reality. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was an important example of Aestheticism because its members believed that art should be a source of pleasure and intellectual inquiry, not just a representation of societal standards.
4. The Yellow Book: The Yellow Book was a periodical published in the late 19th century that was dedicated to the Aesthetic Movement. It was created by a group of editors and writers, led by the American publisher Henry Harland, who wanted to challenge the moralistic view of art at the time. The Yellow Book included illustrations, poetry and stories, which often explored the concept of beauty from an individualistic perspective.
5. William Morris: William Morris was an English poet, author, and designer who had a significant influence on the Aesthetic Movement. He founded the decorative arts firm, Morris & Co., which focused on creating furniture and other objects that incorporated nature and its beauty. His work was an important example of Aestheticism because it combined elements of art and craftsmanship to create unique and beautiful pieces.