Decadents, as a noun, refers to a group of individuals who embrace or promote decadence, a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term "decadence" is derived from the Latin word "decadentia," which means "decay" or "to fall away."
Decadents rejected the values and norms of mainstream society, seeking to challenge conventional moral and societal standards. They embraced indulgence in pleasure, beauty, and luxury while expressing individualism and rejecting societal constraints. This movement was characterized by a focus on aesthetics, sensuality, and a preference for the exotic and unconventional.
Artistically, decadents were known for their expressive and often provocative works that celebrated decadent principles. They broke away from traditional literary and artistic forms and explored themes such as decay, death, and the darker side of human nature. Decadents also heavily relied on symbolism and explored themes of the subconscious mind.
This movement was prominent in various European countries, particularly France and England, where influential figures such as Charles Baudelaire, Oscar Wilde, and Aubrey Beardsley emerged as leading voices of decadence. Their works of poetry, fiction, and visual art challenged societal norms and became notable contributions to the decadent movement.
Overall, decadents were a group of artists and intellectuals who sought to rebel against societal norms, embracing indulgence, beauty, and unconventional ideas. Their works left a lasting impact on art, literature, and culture, shaping subsequent artistic movements of the 20th century.
