Throughout history, beauty ideals have varied immensely from culture to culture, and from one decade to the next. With this article, we will take a look at the history of beauty ideals over the ages – from ancient Greek sculptures, to the fierce and powerful Samantha from “Sex and the City”. We will try to uncover the various influences over these varying ideals, and what the present-day means for them from a historical perspective.
I. A Look at Beauty Ideals Across Time
Throughout the ages, mankind has put a great emphasis on beauty and appearance. Beauty ideals have evolved drastically, sometimes dramatically, and the concept of beauty has taken on multiple forms. Here are some examples of beauty ideals, from different time periods:
- Ancient Greece – During the days of Ancient Greece, a slim figure and perfect proportions were the epitome of beauty. People also considered ivory-toned skin to be a sign of wealth.
- Late Middle Ages – During the Late Middle Ages, the attractive full-figured look was the prevailing beauty ideal. It was a sign of prosperity and made for easier childbirth.
- Renaissance period to the 20th Century – During this time period, the value of a slender figure was revived, paired with a round face and a small waist. Pale skin was favored, and a sun tan was considered unusual.
- Modern times – Beauty ideals today focus on health and balance, with defined facial features and slim figures being celebrated.
However, beauty ideals are a subjective concept that may vary amongst cultures and generations. Throughout the times, physical traits previously considered undesirable have become fashionable and revered. With society’s evolving views on beauty, it is safe to say that beauty ideals will continue to change and differ with time.
The view of beauty is deeply ingrained in our culture, with many entrepreneurs and influencers taking advantage of the opportunity to further the conversation and make their own mark in the ever-evolving landscape.
II. Ancient Greece and Rome: A Unconventional Take on Beauty
In our contemporary society, it’s generally accepted that beauty is defined by porcelain skin, sculpted features and an almost superhuman physical aesthetic. We might be surprised, however, to learn that in the two most renowned ancient cultures—Greece and Rome—the definition of beauty was a far cry from our modern one.
Greece and Rome celebrated curves and soft features in what they deemed to be beautiful. As a matter of fact, a plump, curvaceous stature was greatly admired and seen as desirable. Women who fit this historical mold of beauty were often referred to as Venus Figurines.
You would think that the ancients preferred petite women who were high in stature, however, this was not always the case. Romans, for example, considered broad shoulders of women an attractive quality. They even used art to demonstrate this through the primary female figure in their art—Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and fertility.
Moreover, Greeks embraced the concept of symmetrical beauty. They orientated their understanding of beauty around the idea of balance and proportion, believing that a beautiful face was one which was aesthetically balanced on each side. This also went for the overall figure of a woman, focusing on even hips, waist and shoulders.
Another significant element of classical beauty revolved around the idea of healthiness. Greeks and Romans found healthy hair, nails and skin desirable because it indicated a sound and wealthy lifestyle. In addition, eyes that sparkled with youthfulness were admired, while sunken eyes were regarded as a sign of sickness or poverty.
III. The Age of Political Portraits and Royal Courts
Exploring the Art of the Era
During the Age of Political Portraits and Royal Courts in England, the fine art of portraiture flourished. Artists sought to capture the likeness of their subjects in exquisite detail in hopes of flattering them, creating keepsakes of their famed courtiers, and providing evidence of patronage. This art form was not only reserved for the wealthy and celebrated, and portraits of all classes of society are hearty examples of the era.
The Renaissance saw the rise of its own unique style, now referred to as English Renaissance portraiture. Here wood panel painting was found to be the most common medium, favored over oil due to the commissioning of portraits for many family members and the challenge of quickly drying oil paint.
At the court, a few of the many celebrated portraitists of the era included:
- John de Critz the Elder (1551–1642)
- Nicholas Hilliard (1547–1619)
- Paul van Somer (1576–1621)
- Hans Eworth (1520–1574)
These portraitists often used the simplest of paints to capture the subtlety of skin, the richness of fabrics, and the artfully arranged curls of Elizabethan hairstyles. Arms and headpieces were painted to represent the status of their sitters and give additional meaning to the image. Political symbolism in many courtier portraits was also important, displaying favoritism and loyalty to the crown.
IV. The Transformation of Beauty Ideals in the Victorian Age
The beauty ideals of the Victorian Age were marked by dynamism. This period in history saw a radical transformation of beauty requirements, from those that were initially favored by Queen Victoria. Pale complexion and symmetric curved figures characterized women of this era. Moreover, clothing for women became increasingly restrictive – with tight corsets and crinoline organza cage skirts used to present a sense of neatness and tidiness.
However, as the century came to a close, a new beauty ideal emerged. In contrast to the previous, pale standards, tanned skin and hourglass figures – with accentuated waists – were now among the main determinants of beauty in the Victorian Age. The new beauty regime was assisted by technological advances – fashion accessories such as peroxide, self-tanning lotions, and corset-clamping contraptions all took place in this thriving time of beauty transformation.
- Pale complexion and curved figures initially favored
- Women’s clothing increasingly restrictive
- Tanned skin and hourglass figures at the end of the century
- Fashion accessories like peroxide and lotions emerged
Throughout the Victorian Age, women saw their status and importance steadily grow. This shift in power and position of women was subsequently mirrored in the changing beauty ideals of the time. As the century developed, women started expressing their individuality and taste in fashion and style. This independent spirit became the driving force for great artistic and fashion movements such as pre-Raphaelites or Aestheticism.
V. Reimagining Beauty Standards in the Modern Era
Beauty standards are ever-changing. Social norms regarding physical attractiveness are shifting, as the era of digital media has enabled people to more actively define and redefine what is seen as attractive. There is a new wave of appreciation for diversity and uniqueness, and individuals can now more easily share their own ideas of beauty.
- Diversity: The traditional view of beauty is giving way to greater appreciation for different body types and a broader range of features. This shift in perspective is being driven by the recognition that beauty is not limited to one type, and can come in all shapes and sizes.
- Body Positivity: Body positivity is an increasingly popular concept. It is a movement towards recognizing and celebrating bodies of all types, and a rejection of unattainable beauty standards. It helps to empower individuals to accept and embrace themselves as they are.
- Modern Technologies: Modern beauty products, such as makeup and hair styling, make it easier to embrace different looks. This includes alternative hairstyles and colors, unique makeup tutorials, and creative fashion. There is a newfound freedom to explore new standards for beauty.
The modern era has opened up a world of possibilities in terms of beauty standards. Individuals are encouraged to redefine beauty and express their own unique ideas of what is attractive. It is an exciting time to redefine beauty and embrace the beauty in diversity.
Throughout history, beauty ideals have changed based on a variety of factors, including religion, politics, and socioeconomic status. Though physical beauty has been a major focus in many societies, beauty is ultimately rooted in the messages we send ourselves and how we share them with others. While some beauty standards remain constant over time, others will continue to evolve as cultures continue to blend and ideas move across the globe. Ultimately, beauty is deeply personal, and each individual should work to find a way to define their own unique form of beauty.
