How did Brazilian Parnassian poetry differ from Romantic poetry?

In Brazilian literature, Parnassianism emerged in the late 1870s as a direct reaction against the prevailing aesthetics of Romanticism. While Romantic poetry was characterized by unbridled sensibility, intense subjectivism, and unrestrained poetic forms, the Parnassian movement championed the philosophy of "art for art's sake."1

The differences between the two movements can be summarized as follows:

• Emotional Tone: Romanticism focused on intimate, lyrical expression and deep-rooted nostalgia, often emphasizing the poet's personal feelings. In contrast, Parnassianism prioritized objectivity, impassiveness, and a detachment from the poet's personal emotional state.12
• Artistic Approach: Parnassian poets advocated for rigorous artistic control, elegance, and technical polish. This stood in opposition to the more fluid and unrestrained forms favored by the Romantics.1
• Focus: Romanticism in Brazil was heavily tied to nationalism, Indianism, and the glorification of the tropical landscape. Parnassianism shifted the focus toward formal perfection and the aesthetic quality of the verse itself.12

The three most prominent figures of Brazilian Parnassianism were Alberto de Oliveira, Raimundo Correia, and Olavo Bilac.1