Aesthetic Movement
Apr 25, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
The Princess from the Land of Porcelain by Whistler
We’ve explored some inspiring artistic movements, like the detailed nature of Arts and Crafts, but perhaps no other genre continues to influence our contemporary time like the Aesthetic Movement. Join us as we explore more about the history, key figures, and motifs of this popular style.
Aesthetic Movement
The exact dates for this genre are a bit fuzzy, but most experts agree the pinnacle happened in the late 1800s, around the year 1880. While the Aesthetic Movement was very popular in Britain, it also went on to find footing in America and other countries throughout Europe. What idea could possibly carry such international appeal? Look no further than the unsightliness of the Industrial Revolution and society’s new obsession with developments in hygiene. Reacting against the ugly by-products of technical innovation, the movement focused on aesthetic values and discarded ideas reflecting social or political concerns. While it began as a painter’s movement it would expand to include all forms of art and product design. Edward William Goodwin (1833-1866) started things in motion by promoting design work that enabled easy cleaning. In Goodwin’s opinion, furniture shouldn’t have superfluous carving. Both he and Oxford professor Walter Pater (another one of the movement’s original thought leaders) wrote about incorporating beauty into everyday life. While they did not lose sight of utility, the emphasis was on appearance and design that engaged all the senses.
Punch issue, showing Patience by Gilbert and Sullivan
Seen as a reform movement, it was often guided by the saying “art for art’s sake.” This ability to find beauty in all things brought some ridicule. By serving no other master than aesthetics, the movement easily trended toward decadence. Popular culture granted champions and critics alike. Oscar Wilde endorsed the movement, making it a fashionable option for middle and upper class consumers. The artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, the French trained American, fully embraced the trend as well. His work created a sophisticated ambiance, complete with gorgeous detailing. However, this desire to focus on pure beauty and materialism was fodder for other artists, designers, and writers. The Aesthetic Movement was regularly satirized in the magazine Punch (founded in 1841) and many of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works (like Patience from 1881).
The Peacock Room of Freer Gallery, Washington DC
The genre was greatly admired but faced a giant hurdle: making their beautiful pieces accessible to a larger audience. As a result, the movement which meant to reform ended up creating many more styles. While the scope increased, there are still some telltale signatures with any Aesthetic Movement piece. Common themes include nature (such as peacocks, flowers, birds, and ginkgo), sensuality, and the Far East. Furniture will often be stained in ebony or dark shades and porcelain is typically blue and white in color.
In our modern time we find ourselves buying things at briefer intervals and even technological purchases strive for artistic appeal. This mindset gets its roots from the original Aesthetic Movement. Do you think there are common themes of influence like in the 1800s? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Cause A Frockus would like to thank their tremendous resources: Met Museum, Wikipedia, UC Davis, The Guardian, Britannica, Telegraph, and the people who post their imagery without restriction.