The idea of perfect beauty has shaped the public consciousness for thousands of years. It has constrained and defined women whilst liberating and inspiring others.

7th April 2012

Photo with 7 notes

The ideal Medieval woman was seen as being  hairless in contrast to the man. Hairlines, eyebrows and even eyelashes were plucked so that no hair whatsoever would show. The only women who appear frequently in High Medieval portraits displaying their hair are saints and the Virgin Mother. A high forehead was a sign of extreme beauty. In this painting, you can see the exaggerated eye line which may be created with some kind of paint or make-up. Painting by Rogier van der Weyden

The ideal Medieval woman was seen as being  hairless in contrast to the man. Hairlines, eyebrows and even eyelashes were plucked so that no hair whatsoever would show. The only women who appear frequently in High Medieval portraits displaying their hair are saints and the Virgin Mother. A high forehead was a sign of extreme beauty. In this painting, you can see the exaggerated eye line which may be created with some kind of paint or make-up.

Painting by Rogier van der Weyden

Tagged: 15th centurymedievalbeauty

  1. everydayimfangirlin reblogged this from the-sheriff
  2. gloriousclio reblogged this from the-sheriff and added:
    WHY DID I NOT KNOW THIS. When did this fashion start, and where?
  3. the-sheriff reblogged this from historicalideals
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