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The changing face of beauty
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Facial beauty standards evolve like fashion trends, yet some women are consistently deemed beautiful across eras. Art, literature, and historical events offer clues to these evolving ideals and the women who embody them.
Area of Science:
- Aesthetics
- Cultural Anthropology
- Art History
Background:
- Facial beauty standards are dynamic, influenced by societal trends similar to fashion and body ideals.
- Despite changing aesthetics, certain individuals are consistently recognized as exemplars of beauty throughout history.
Observation:
- The selection criteria for defining 'great beauties' remain elusive and complex.
- Artistic representations, literary descriptions, and historical accounts provide insights into evolving beauty ideals.
Findings:
- Standards of facial beauty are not static but fluctuate with cultural and historical contexts.
- Identifying universally admired beautiful women is simpler than deciphering the underlying reasons for their selection.
Implications:
- Understanding the historical and cultural determinants of beauty can inform contemporary perceptions.
- Further research into art and literature may reveal consistent patterns in the perception of ideal facial features.