Which movement advocated 'art for art's sake'?

Which movement advocated 'art for art's sake'?

• A. Aesthetic Movement
• B. Romanticism
• C. Realism
• D. Symbolism

Answer: (A)

Art for art's sake means valuing beauty and form in art for their own sake, not for teaching morals or pushing a social or political message. This idea shines at the heart of the Aesthetic Movement in Britain during the late 19th century, with figures like Oscar Wilde, Walter Pater, and James Whistler championing art's intrinsic value—the pleasure of style, taste, and sensory experience—over usefulness or moral instruction. Wilde, in particular, celebrated beauty and clever craftsmanship, aligning with the creed that art should be admired for its elegance rather than pressed into reform or didactic roles. This stance contrasts with Romanticism’s emphasis on emotion and the sublime, Realism’s focus on depicting everyday life and social issues, or Symbolism’s exploration of inner meanings and mysticism.

Art for art's sake means valuing beauty and form in art for their own sake, not for teaching morals or pushing a social or political message. This idea shines at the heart of the Aesthetic Movement in Britain during the late 19th century, with figures like Oscar Wilde, Walter Pater, and James Whistler championing art's intrinsic value—the pleasure of style, taste, and sensory experience—over usefulness or moral instruction. Wilde, in particular, celebrated beauty and clever craftsmanship, aligning with the creed that art should be admired for its elegance rather than pressed into reform or didactic roles. This stance contrasts with Romanticism’s emphasis on emotion and the sublime, Realism’s focus on depicting everyday life and social issues, or Symbolism’s exploration of inner meanings and mysticism.