Becoming of Aesthetic Ideas in the 19th Cuban Century

Abstract

This article offers an original general view of aesthetic ideas in Cuba in the 19^th century, by analyzing both philosophical texts and papers of literary criticism. Some recurrent topics in the century are determined, such as: reflection toward the absolute or relative nature of beauty; education of aesthetic taste; relationship between arts and morality; cultural mission of artists and critics. Different influences from aesthetic European thought are stated, and how they are assumed by the Cuban thinkers is also analyzed. Elements of continuity, contrast and evolution are argued, which lead to a qualitative enrichment of Cuban aesthetic reflection in the ending of the century.