Walter Pater (philosopher and critic)

Walter Pater (1839–1894) was an English philosopher and critic, best known for his work on aesthetics and art criticism during the Victorian era. He emphasized the importance of individual experience and the appreciation of beauty in art and life. Pater argued that life should be lived intensely and consciously, urging people to savor moments for their aesthetic value. His influential writings, particularly "The Renaissance," celebrated the interplay of art, culture, and personal perception, leaving a lasting impact on the Decadent movement and modernist thought. Pater's ideas fostered a deeper understanding of the relationship between art and human experience.