Pronunciation: [ɛsθˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm] (IPA) 
The word "estheticism" is a bit tricky to spell because it has some unusual combinations of letters. The correct spelling of this word is /ɛsˈθɛtɪsɪzəm/, with an "e" before the "t" and an "i" before the final "s." It refers to a philosophy that emphasizes beauty and artistic expression. While it may be challenging to spell, it's an important word to know for anyone interested in art, literature, or philosophy.
Estheticism, also spelled as Aestheticism, is an artistic and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th century, particularly in Europe and the United States. It prioritizes the principles of beauty, art, and sensory experience in all aspects of life.
At its core, estheticism rejects the idea that art should convey a moral or social message and instead emphasizes the pursuit of sensory pleasure and the cultivation of beauty for its own sake. It champions the concept of "art for art's sake," valuing the aesthetic qualities of an artwork, such as its form, composition, colors, and textures, as the primary sources of its value and meaning.
Estheticism encompasses various artistic forms, including literature, visual arts, music, and design. Its proponents seek to detach art from the burdens of practicality, politics, and moral considerations, favoring the liberation of the imagination and the exploration of sensation and sensory experiences.
In terms of literature, estheticism finds expression in works that focus on the sheer beauty of language, often employing elaborate literary devices and rich descriptions. Aestheticist writers are known for their penchant for symbolism, sensuality, and the use of vivid imagery.
Although the aesthetic movement found its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its influence can still be observed in contemporary art and design. The legacy of estheticism persists in the emphasis placed on the aesthetics of an artwork, the celebration of individual expression, and the pursuit of subjective experiences of beauty.
The word "estheticism" is derived from the term "aesthetics", which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek word "aisthēsis" meaning "perception" or "sensation". The term "aisthēsis" was later adapted in Latin as "aesthetica" and in German as "ästhetik". In the late 18th century, philosopher Alexander Baumgarten introduced "aesthetica" as the study of sensory perception, beauty, and artistic experiences. Over time, this term developed into "aesthetics" in English and "esthétique" in French. In the late 19th century, the word "estheticism" emerged as a noun form of "esthetic" to refer to a philosophical and artistic movement that emphasized the pursuit of beauty, art, and sensory experience.
