This novel series delves into the decadent atmosphere of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exploring the emptiness of aristocratic society and the crisis of its values. The narratives focus on refined aesthetes and artists striving to live their lives as works of art amidst the decay of their world. Expect intricate love affairs, a sterile pursuit of pleasure, and the clash with the emerging mass society. It offers a compelling look at the disintegration of beauty ideals and the rise of profit-driven modernity.
Like Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray, Andrea Sperelli lives his life as a work of art, seeking beauty and flouting the rules of morality and social interaction along the way. In his aristocratic circles in Rome, he is a serial seducer. But there are two women who command his special regard: the young widow Elena, and the pure, virgin-like Maria.
The author highlights the exceptional natural talents of three prominent nineteenth-century writers: D'Annunzio, Kipling, and Tolstoy. Each of these literary figures is noted for their unique contributions to literature, showcasing a range of styles and themes that have left a lasting impact on the literary world. The discussion emphasizes their artistic abilities and the significance of their works in shaping literary traditions.
Exploring themes of beauty and despair, the novel follows Giorgio Aurispa after he witnesses a suicide, prompting his return to his family's estate. Confronted by his father's moral decay and the weight of familial responsibilities, Giorgio grapples with his past and his relationship with Ippolita. Set against the backdrop of the Italian bourgeoisie, the story delves into his struggle to reclaim a sense of beauty amidst gloom and paranoia. This work is a significant text in Italian Decadentism, echoing influences from Nietzsche and Pater.