In an advanced conversational Spanish class we students were asked to write a short, informative essay answering the following question: How have the concepts of beauty of other times influenced our current concept of beauty? For simplicity purposes, here, I have decided to post the English translation.
The concept of beauty has changed over the years but current beauty reflects many characteristics of the epochs of yesteryear. The current concept of beauty has taken various characteristics from nearly every era, forming what many consider the canon of beauty. Historical eras, such as in Ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, and the Twentieth Century have all taken part in forming that same canon of beauty. Characteristics from each of these eras are still seen often in society today.
In Ancient Egypt, the characteristics that make a person beautiful are having large, black eyes, slender bodies, dark or tanned skin, and perfect and shiny hair. Often this is still seen today. Most women desire a thin body, large breasts, and a tan. Within the Renaissance era, the androgyny of the male body arises, the slender body in women remains, and long golden hair in women is preferred. Men begin to prefer a more athletic body. During the Twentieth Century, the canon of beauty goes through multiple variations, especially for women. By the end of the century, women are finally cutting their hair for the first time and are showing their ankles, which before now has been a very scandalous thing to do. The beauty model becomes more athletic and more androgynous at this time. Now, men prefer athletic and muscular bodies. Women prefer thin bodies, tans, large and firm breasts. Most women prefer to have long and perfect hair and want to have athletic bodies. It is obvious how much the past influences today’s canon of beauty, and how much of the past remains within today’s views and values.
It is evident that the view of beauty has changed from year to year. The current concept of beauty has taken many characteristics and standards from various historical eras, so much so that it can be recognized from any point of view. The past has come together to form what many consider the perfect model of beauty.
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