Belle Époque

Definitions

1. Alternative spelling of Belle Époque.
   alt-of, alternative
2. A period of European history, extending over several decades until the start of the First World War, characterized by artistic and cultural refinement.
   uncountable
3. (aesthetic) A style of art and architecture characterized by opulence, eclecticism, and organic dynamism, blending historical revival styles (Neo-Baroque, Neo-Gothic) with the flowing lines of Art Nouveau, utilizing new materials like iron and glass for decorative elements, and celebrating modern life with vibrant colors and natural motifs, reflecting the era's optimism, luxury, and technological progress.
   broadly, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“Among these cultured hostesses, a leading figure⟳ in the belle époque was the Comtesse de Greffulhe.”

“Spanning the turn⟳ of the century and capitalizing on fortunes accumulated before the democratizing notion of income tax existed, the Belle Époque held out a lavish style of life to the relative few who could afford⟳ it.”

CEFR level