British Decadence

British Decadence refers to a cultural and artistic movement in late 19th and early 20th century Britain that emphasized aestheticism, individual pleasure, and a fascination with beauty, excess, and sensory experiences. It was characterized by a rejection of traditional moral values, a focus on innovative, often provocative art and literature, and a sense of decline or moral decay. Think of it as a period where artists and writers sought to explore beauty and sensation as a response to societal changes, often courting controversy and challenging conventional norms. Key figures include Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley.