The Decadent Movement

The Decadent Movement was a late 19th-century literary and artistic movement primarily in Europe, characterized by a focus on aestheticism, individualism, and a fascination with decay and moral ambiguity. Artists and writers associated with this movement, such as Oscar Wilde and Charles Baudelaire, embraced beauty, sensuality, and the exploration of darker themes, often challenging societal norms. They sought to express emotions and thoughts rather than adhere to traditional values. Decadent works often highlight the tension between art and life, emphasizing art for art's sake and the subjective experience of beauty, even in decline or disorder.