The Decadent Movement was a late 19th-century artistic and literary movement that emerged in Europe, particularly in France. It was characterized by a focus on aestheticism, individualism, and a fascination with beauty, often exploring themes of decay, moral decline, and the darker aspects of human experience. Writers and artists sought to challenge conventional norms and embraced a sense of ennui and disillusionment.
Key figures of the Decadent Movement included Charles Baudelaire, Oscar Wilde, and Joris-Karl Huysmans. Their works often featured elaborate language and vivid imagery, reflecting a desire to escape from the mundane realities of life. The movement influenced various art forms, including literature, painting, and music, leaving a lasting impact on modernism.