Let’s bring back the Aesthetic Movement!
I’m researching the aesthetic movement and came across this painting by William Merrit Chase, the “Portrait of Dora Wheeler.” I love the yellow and blues here, in the vase on the table, in textile in the background — beautiful!
From my reading it seems that the aesthetic movement was concerned with principles of function, simplicity (I can get behind both!) and iconography derived from nature (Japanese art and design were a huge inspiration for Aesthetic Movement artists). One of the objectives of the movement was to introduce art into the daily life of the average person and proponents really encouraged you to surround yourself with objects of beauty.
The more I read about it, the more I realize that I’m a neo-aesthetic — I look for functional, simple and beautiful objects for my home and fervently believe in the importance of beauty in everyday objects. Who is with me? Let’s start a movement together!
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July 8th, 2008 13:40
This is gorgeous! I think you could design a whole house inspired by this one painting.
November 24th, 2008 13:36
I resonate with this, absolutely. I’m in!