Introduction
The Aesthetic Movement, also referred to as aestheticism, was introduced in England during the 1860s (Souter, 2016). The movement was introduced due to the mainstream art culture’s reactions and criticisms, which served moral, ethical, and allegorical roles. Through its leading proponents, Morris and Rossetti, the Aesthetic Movement aimed to develop freedom in artistic expression with the slogan art for art’s sake. However, there was a looming conflict between art and functionalism in the middle of the 19th century. The effects of the industrial revolution were beginning to emerge (Souter, 2016).
Some philosophers, including John Ruskin, opposed the outcome of the industrial age of art with the view that it created a division of labor within factories alienating designers from their creativity in art and design. Ruskin preferred the medieval Gothic because of its simplicity and association with nature; this attracted different philosophers, including the proponents of aestheticism, which later saw the spread of the Art and Craft movement in various parts of the world (Dubler & Lloyd, 2017).
While both movements have influenced cultures, political environments, and aspects of different societies globally, the two movements have various similarities and differences.
Theories and Philosophies of the Aesthetic Movement
The Aesthetic Movement has had a significant influence on different cultures globally. The movement redefined the association between art, ethics, and society. The proponents of Aesthetic Movement did not regard the moral aspects of arts, influencing the introduction of cultures that favors beauty alone (Souter, 2016). The movement also transformed different cultural principles and concepts, including the middle-class eclecticism exploited from other cultures, including ancient Greek sculptures and Asian art, and introduced new ideas to their art.
Political environment
The architecture and decoration designs from the movement sought to transform objects and houses using geometry. This sparked a lasting revolution and environment of political thinking. The cardinal principles of aestheticism believed that architecture should be without restriction. The Aesthetic Movement portrays politics as containing both art’s intrinsic and extrinsic elements (Souter, 2016).
It influenced the formation of equality and a democratic political environment. Moreover, criticism of the Aesthetic Movement introduced political aspects with an oversight that has become the center of political practice to date.
Influence on society
During the Victorian era, aestheticism significantly impacted British society and later influenced different parts of the world. Firstly, there was a substantial shift from Latin to adopting ancient Greek culture. The Aesthetic Movement also penetrated society’s aspects, including fashion, literature, music, and interior design, which varied with different communities and locations (Dubler & Lloyd, 2017). Additionally, the movement eliminated materialism created by the industrial age and diverted its focus on quality and creative craftsmanship processes within society.
Theories and Philosophies of the Arts and Crafts Era
The emergence of the Art and Craft movement in the middle of the 19th century redefined the handcraftsmanship form of culture. The movement’s proponents aimed to improve decorations and designs by introducing unbiased workplace culture (Dubler & Lloyd, 2017). It also created a culture of simplicity and honesty through the responsible use of resources in handcraft. The introduction of the Art and Craft movement marked an important cultural development in Ireland through the development of Irish nationalism. The Japanese also adopted the Mingei movement, which focused on the art culture developed during the early twentieth century (Souter, 2016). Furthermore, Art and Craft created a common culture based on a collective belief in architectural development.
Political environment
Through the spread of the Art and Craft movement, the aspects of social commentaries were eventually tied to the political environment. Some of this movement’s proponents, including Morris, became political activists during the late nineteen century through poetry. When the movement was finally introduced in the US, it contributed to American politics by helping a few female reformers from the suffrage movement (Dubler & Lloyd, 2017).
These women, including Jane Addams and Julia Morgan, were not only business owners but became business trainers to other women. Morris desired to incorporate architecture and manual labor; however, most of the Art and Craft adherents in the US ignored his political views and continued to improve the middle class introduced by the industrial age.
Influence on society
The movement grew out of a social commentary and needed social reforms, influencing how society perceived the manufacture and distribution of resources. Although the society was aware of the adverse effects of machine-manufactured products, it became more critical in the middle of the 19th century during the introduction of the Art and Craft movement. This is because the era introduced new architectural designs that were simpler and gave more understanding of common individuals within the society (Clericuzio, 2017).
The movement adopted different principles and policies for developing products and enhancing understanding of society. It also introduced several artistic societies, including the Art Work Guild Exhibition society, created in 1884 (Souter, 2016). These societies gave way to public identity and initiated discussion forums where individuals could get a social purpose.
Similarities
Aesthetic Movement and Arts and Crafts have some aspects in common. Firstly, both the movements focus on architecture about how the artwork is interpreted and given values. Secondly, the movements have underlying principles and policies relating to beauty and aesthetics; these principles inform the movement’s stance (Souter, 2016). Both movements have significantly influenced different aspects globally, including political, cultural, and social. Moreover, the introduction of both movements was based on their proponents’ specific purposes and interests.
Differences
Although the two movements have various similarities, they have several differences. The Aesthetic Movement was introduced to rebel against the Victorian era with the criticism that it limited creativity and impoverished consumers. The Art and Craft movement emerged due to the need for honest and simpler ways of living through the use of quality resources to create the best designs. The Aesthetic Movement alienated art from the moral and ethical perspectives with the slogan art for art’s sake (Clericuzio, 2017).
However, Art and Craft movement strongly believed in the connection between the artist and their handwork to generate a human fulfillment applicable in real situations. Moreover, while Aesthetic Movement focused on subdued colors, linear forms, and geometry, Art and Craft vary based on media and geography but are influenced by sculptures such as Gothic styles.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the Aesthetic Movement was introduced in England during the 1860s. The movement aimed to develop freedom in artistic expression with the slogan art for art’s sake. Some philosophers opposed the outcome of the industrial age art with the view that it created a division of labor within factories, leading to the introduction of the Art and Craft movement. Aesthetic Movement significantly influences political, social, and cultures globally. The movement redefined the association between art, ethics, and society.
The introduction of the Art and Craft movement also marked an essential cultural, political, and development. Aesthetic Movement and Arts and Crafts have some common aspects, including their underlying principles and policies. While the Aesthetic Movement was introduced to rebel against the Victorian era, Art and Craft movement emerged due to the need for honest ways of living through the use of quality resources to create the best designs.
References
Clericuzio, P. (2017). The arts & crafts movement overview. Web.
Dubler, J., & Lloyd, V. (2017). Break every yoke. Break every yoke: Shakers, gender equality, and women’s suffrage (2017). Web.
Souter, A. (2016). The aesthetic movement overviews. Web.