Deze romanserie duikt in de decadente sfeer van het einde van de 19e en het begin van de 20e eeuw, waarbij de leegte van de aristocratische samenleving en de crisis van haar waarden worden onderzocht. De verhalen richten zich op verfijnde estheten en kunstenaars die ernaar streven hun leven als kunstwerken te leiden te midden van het verval van hun wereld. Verwacht ingewikkelde liefdesrelaties, een vruchteloze jacht op plezier en de botsing met de opkomende massacommunicatie. Het biedt een boeiende kijk op de desintegratie van schoonheidsidealen en de opkomst van winstgedreven moderniteit.
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.