Fin de Siècle

"Fin de Siècle," meaning "end of the century" in French, refers to a cultural and historical period typically associated with late 19th-century Europe, especially the 1890s. It characterizes a time of social, political, and artistic change marked by a sense of uncertainty and transition from traditional values to modern ideas. This era saw movements like Symbolism and Decadence, reflecting themes of decline, gloom, and questioning of societal norms. While emphasizing aesthetic beauty and individualism, it also expressed anxiety about rapid technological progress and shifting cultural identities, embodying both the sense of an ending and the anticipation of a new future.