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French Decadence

French Decadence was an artistic and cultural movement in late 19th-century France that emphasized themes of beauty, excess, and moral decline. It reflected a fascination with artifice, sensuality, and the exploration of taboo subjects, often portraying society’s decadence and the individual's pursuit of aesthetic pleasure. The movement was characterized by a focus on refined style, symbolism, and a sense of decline or decay, challenging traditional moral values and embracing decadence as both an aesthetic and philosophical stance. It influenced literature, art, and philosophy, highlighting a desire to explore the boundaries of taste and morality.