Fin de Siècle
"Fin de Siècle" refers to the cultural and artistic movement that emerged in Europe during the late 19th century, particularly around the 1890s. It is characterized by a sense of nostalgia, decadence, and a questioning of traditional values. This period saw the rise of various artistic movements, including Symbolism and Art Nouveau, as well as significant developments in literature, music, and visual arts.
The term literally means "end of the century" in French and reflects the anxieties and aspirations of a society facing rapid industrialization and modernization. Notable figures from this era include Oscar Wilde, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, and Gustave Moreau, who explored themes of beauty, existentialism, and the human condition in their works.