Beauty standards

The Renaissance marked a shift in artistic representations, moving away from strict religious
symbolism to a more humanistic approach.
Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli celebrated the diversity of human beauty in their
paintings, portraying a range of body types and features.
Renaissance artists began to include imperfections and realistic details in their depictions of
people, challenging the notion of an idealized and flawless beauty.
The famous painting "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli portrays the goddess with a fuller
figure, breaking away from previous conventions.

In the 1920s, a notable transformation occurred in societal attitudes towards beauty

standards, marked by the rise of the flapper aesthetic. This era witnessed a departure from
the conventional ideals of femininity that had dominated previous decades. The flapper, a
term often used to describe the liberated and spirited young women of the time, symbolized
a break from traditional norms.
One of the most conspicuous changes during this period was the acceptance of shorter
haircuts among women. The iconic bob cut became a symbol of independence and
modernity. This departure from long, flowing locks challenged the conventional perception
of femininity and echoed the flapper's desire to break free from societal expectations.
In addition to the shift in hairstyles, flapper fashion further reflected a departure from
traditional feminine attire.
The flapper attitude was characterized by a sense of liberation and defiance. These women
challenged societal norms by engaging in activities previously deemed unconventional for
ladies, such as smoking in public, drinking, and participating in social events without male
chaperones. This rebellious behavior marked a significant departure from the more
conservative values of the preceding era.

The mid-20th century saw the rise of Hollywood and the influence of glamorous movie stars
on beauty standards.
The hourglass figure became popular, with an emphasis on a small waist and curvier hips,
exemplified by iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe.
The 1960s brought about a counter-cultural movement challenging conventional beauty
standards.
Twiggy, an iconic model of the era, popularized a more slender and androgynous look,
challenging the curvier ideals of the previous decade.
Towards the late 20th century, there was a growing acknowledgment of the importance of
diversity in beauty standards.
The rise of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok has allowed users to share a diverse
range of images that challenge conventional standards of beauty and promote body
positivity.
One way in which social media challenges beauty norms is by promoting authenticity.
Influencers and users alike share unfiltered, unretouched images that showcase natural
features, imperfections, and diverse body types. This transparency encourages followers to
embrace their own uniqueness and reject the notion of an idealized, airbrushed beauty.

Photoshopping, a common practice in the fashion and beauty industry, has faced increased
scrutiny on social media. Users are quick to call out excessive retouching and digital
manipulation that creates unrealistic beauty standards. Celebrities and influencers, in
particular, have been vocal about promoting body positivity by sharing unedited images and
advocating for more genuine representations of beauty.
By showcasing raw and unaltered images, these individuals encourage their followers to
appreciate and celebrate their own natural beauty.

In summary, beauty standards have evolved over time, influenced by societal attitudes and
cultural movements. The Renaissance embraced human diversity in art, while the 1920s saw
the flapper challenging traditional femininity. Hollywood in the mid-20th century
popularized the hourglass figure, later countered by the slender look of the 1960s. The late
20th century and the rise of social media emphasized diversity, authenticity, and body
positivity, challenging unrealistic ideals perpetuated by Photoshop. Celebrities and
influencers lead by sharing unedited images, encouraging people to embrace their natural
beauty. In essence, beauty standards reflect a dynamic evolution shaped by art, culture, and
contemporary values.