{"id":118491,"date":"2026-08-13T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=118491"},"modified":"2026-08-13T13:21:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T11:21:55","slug":"beauty-renaissance-middle-ages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/beauty-renaissance-middle-ages\/","title":{"rendered":"Beauty Standards of the Renaissance and Middle Ages"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:71.19140625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:63.18359375%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:67.28515625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:49.8046875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:54.1015625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:61.23046875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:55.95703125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:67.28515625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:52.83203125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:56.34765625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:58.30078125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beauty standards are <strong>constantly changing<\/strong>, and we don&rsquo;t need to look far in the past to notice the pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just a couple of years ago, a beautiful woman was expected to have a strikingly curvy figure and huge lips. And currently, more and more people struggle to be skinny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We make fun of past standards, like those huge, wild eyebrows we all sported in the 2010s or the insane outfits of the 2000s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, beauty standards exist in <strong>a cycle<\/strong>. The very things we ridicule today might become popular next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, what made a lady beautiful during the <strong>Renaissance and earlier<\/strong>? Can you recognize any of these trends today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. A High Forehead<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118559\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-1024x729.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-1024x729.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-768x546.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-960x683.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-1080x768.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-170x121.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"729\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20729'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='729'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118559 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-1024x729.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-1024x729.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-768x546.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-960x683.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-1080x768.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-3-170x121.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i.etsystatic.com\/41775420\/r\/il\/dc95c9\/7374388378\/il_fullxfull.7374388378_5qzb.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; etsystatic<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be considered a proper beauty back then, you had to have a <em>huge<\/em> forehead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It symbolized <strong>noble birth<\/strong> y <strong>inteligencia<\/strong>. For some reason, people also saw the high forehead as a sign of purity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also gave the face an oval shape that artists of the time loved to paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, if you were born with a lower <strong>hairline<\/strong>, shaving was inevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women frequently shaved their hairline to make their forehead stand out as much as possible. Not even their <strong>eyebrows<\/strong> would be spared!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make the forehead higher, most women plucked their eyebrows so thin they were barely there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make it even more dramatic, elaborate headdresses would be worn to frame the huge forehead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Fair Skin<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118561\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"647\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-1024x647.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-1024x647.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-768x486.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-960x607.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-1080x683.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-170x107.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5.jpg 1115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"647\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20647'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='647'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118561 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-1024x647.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-1024x647.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-768x486.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-960x607.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-1080x683.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5-170x107.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-5.jpg 1115w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/files.commons.gc.cuny.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/27671\/files\/2023\/05\/Titian-La-Bella-778x1024.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; amazonaws<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Europe, but also in a few other places around the world, pale skin was the goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the time, a proper beauty wasn&rsquo;t just someone with naturally pretty features, but also <strong>highborn<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To the people of that time, fair skin signaled that a woman didn&rsquo;t need to spend time outside and work in a field. It meant she was rich enough to sit in the shade all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what if you were born with a natural tan? Plenty of people have a warmer skin tone, even all across Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, then, you would use some <strong>scary chemistry<\/strong> to whiten your complexion! People famously mixed white <strong>lead and vinegar<\/strong> into a paste called ceruse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also bled themselves using leeches to look pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can we recognize ourselves in this beauty standard? Don&rsquo;t many people go to tanning salons, even though the health risks are common knowledge?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, in parts of East Asia, women still whiten their skin with aggressive creams, all to fit into what society calls beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Golden Hair<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118554\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-1024x689.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-960x646.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-1080x727.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-170x114.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20689'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='689'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118554 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-1024x689.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-960x646.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-1080x727.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-10-170x114.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/media.mutualart.com\/Images\/2021_09\/24\/13\/133129709\/837082b3-3c0f-4db7-be3e-aa7e0beee5f4_570.Jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; media.mutualart<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blonde hair has been popular since the ancient Greeks, but during the Renaissance, it reached a whole new level of obsession!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Golden locks became associated with <strong>purity and angels<\/strong>. Poets wrote endlessly about gold and sunbeams catching in a lady&rsquo;s hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naturally, even the people who were born with a different hair color wanted to fit the beauty standard, so they had to get creative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women would<strong> sit in the sun<\/strong> for hours with special mixtures of saffron, lemon juice, and sometimes, horse urine to bleach their hair!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, they would apply a paste to their hair and wear a crownless hat so the sun could do its thing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interestingly, people didn&rsquo;t actually care whether the hair color was natural. Simply being able to afford such a <strong>high-maintenance<\/strong> style was a symbol of status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Flat Chest<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118555\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"510\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-1024x510.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-1024x510.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-300x149.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-768x383.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-960x478.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-1080x538.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-170x85.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"510\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20510'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='510'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118555 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-1024x510.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-1024x510.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-300x149.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-768x383.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-960x478.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-1080x538.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-11-170x85.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/5db0b43ad5437e7e86fb6808\/1624051845740-4IQZ8ZRM813J19E3W0IW\/RenaissanceWomenweb.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; squarespace<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we imagine a medieval beauty, most of us think of curvy women in tight corsets, but the ideal bust was actually flat, especially during the Renaissance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A large chest was considered vulgar and even called animalistic! Instead, women wanted a boyish and slender figure. People considered it <strong>delicate and youthful<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2026, we consider this a red flag for numerous good reasons, but women of the time did their best to fit in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone had a larger bust, they did everything possible to conceal it. They wore tight bodices and stiff corsets that completely <strong>flattened their chests<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Much like their other beauty methods, this wasn&rsquo;t the healthiest choice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Full Lips<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118551\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"554\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-1024x554.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-1024x554.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-960x520.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-170x92.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7.jpg 1062w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"554\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20554'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='554'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118551 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-1024x554.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-1024x554.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-960x520.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7-170x92.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-7.jpg 1062w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/artincontext.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Renaissance-Woman-Painting.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; artincontext<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, here&rsquo;s a trend we can identify with. In these eras, much like today,<strong> full and pouty lips<\/strong> were the beauty standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A perfect pout was seen as a sign of youth, health, and sensuality, though never over the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women used all sorts of natural dyes to get the perfect red tint. They would crush up <strong>berries<\/strong> and mix them with beeswax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if you thought they didn&rsquo;t put anything toxic on their lips, too, I have to disappoint you. They also used <strong>mercuric sulfide<\/strong> to paint their lips.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal was to achieve blushed lips rather than heavily painted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overlining was done at that time too by the ladies who didn&rsquo;t have naturally full lips.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. A Rounded Belly<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118558\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"627\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-1024x627.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-1024x627.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-768x470.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-960x588.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-1080x661.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-170x104.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"627\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20627'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='627'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118558 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-1024x627.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-1024x627.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-768x470.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-960x588.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-1080x661.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-2-170x104.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/teyxo.com\/lifestyle\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/primavera-full-1.webp?resize=1020%2C670&amp;ssl=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; teyxo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Did you know that Renaissance beauty standards included a rounded belly?!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is so far removed from what we consider attractive today, but I&rsquo;m sure many of us wish it could be brought back! It would take some pressure off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naturally, being overweight wasn&rsquo;t the goal, but women didn&rsquo;t have to hide their lower belly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This look was associated with <strong>fertility and femininity<\/strong>. Having children was the primary duty of women at the time, so a growing belly was seen as desirable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dresses<\/strong> were even <strong>designed<\/strong> with a low, pointed V-shape in the front to highlight the stomach area!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A flat stomach meant that you were either masculine or impoverished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rich women ate well and lived comfortably, and their bodies showed it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Knowledge, Kindness, Beauty<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118552\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-1024x573.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-960x537.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-1080x604.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-170x95.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20573'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='573'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118552 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-1024x573.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-960x537.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-1080x604.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-8-170x95.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/culturacolectiva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/RGB7G6EJDJA6RNVONQU5H5RQJM.jpg?resize=1024%2C570&amp;ssl=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; culturacolectiva<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the Renaissance, a woman became the focus of art and poetry once more. In the Middle Ages, it was all about the Church and faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the classical beauty standards of ancient Greece and Rome came back, women became an inspiration once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was progress, but it also meant that they had to fulfill <strong>huge societal expectations<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being pretty and religious wasn&rsquo;t good enough anymore. Women also had to be graceful, kindhearted, and educated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having a high forehead and pale skin could only get them so far!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During this time, women had to read, write, learn <strong>historia<\/strong>, <strong>play instruments<\/strong>, and speak <strong>multiple languages<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Poets constantly linked outer beauty to <strong>inner virtue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A kind heart was believed to make a woman&rsquo;s face glow with divine light.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. A Dimpled Chin<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118560\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-1024x689.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-960x646.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-1080x727.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-170x114.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4.jpg 1085w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20689'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='689'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118560 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-1024x689.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-960x646.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-1080x727.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4-170x114.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-4.jpg 1085w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/api.nga.gov\/iiif\/3a948539-d3c8-4be3-b055-c23f97ed018f\/full\/!800,800\/0\/default.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; api.nga<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It seems like the people of the past had such specific opinions about every part of the body. A dimpled chin was considered <strong>charming and attractive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It added a touch of character to the lower face. Since the eyebrows were plucked away and the hairline was shaved, the dimple of the chin provided some balance and texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honestly, it sounds like a solution to an unnecessary problem.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Artists like Raphael and Botticelli loved to paint ladies with these chin dimples, which cemented the beauty standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Funnily enough, of all things, this couldn&rsquo;t be faked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Flawless Skin<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118556\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-1024x541.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-1024x541.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-768x406.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-2048x1083.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-960x507.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-1080x571.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-170x90.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20541'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='541'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118556 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-1024x541.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-1024x541.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-768x406.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-2048x1083.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-960x507.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-1080x571.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-12-170x90.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d1k1989q2ysl57.cloudfront.net\/media\/historysnob\/2025\/12\/3\/1764800474a0f253ba6315bf10208c1b413c4bf1045bd80ce3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; historysnob<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beauty in the Middle Ages and Renaissance included unmarked skin as a non-negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women wanted to keep their skin completely free from any blemishes, marks, freckles, or scars. Any mark on the skin was seen as a flaw, or even as a sign of <strong>bad character<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women used various pastes and lotions to care for their skin. They washed their faces with rosewater and applied poultices made of almonds and milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Naturally<\/em>, they also used lead-based paints to cover any potential blemish.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pox marks<\/strong> from illnesses were a huge fear, so any imperfection would be linked to them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal was to look like a polished pearl, which can be tricky even with modern makeup.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Soft Arms<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118562\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-1024x577.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20577'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='577'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118562 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-1024x577.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-6-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sothebys-com.brightspotcdn.com\/b2\/ae\/c799791b4c92bf12f8762356eb48\/elizabeth-jane-gardner-bouguereau-les-trois-amis-la-captive.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; sothebys<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While today, we all want toned arms and sharp shoulders, in the past, the ideal was <strong>soft and flashy<\/strong> skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strength and visible muscles were strictly for common women. For a lady of status, having plump, rounded arms was a major beauty goal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The puffs of white linen under dress sleeves were specifically designed to make arms appear fuller.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, if a woman had skinny arms, it wasn&rsquo;t a good sign. It signaled poverty and illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Huge Eyes<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118557\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-960x560.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-1080x630.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-170x99.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20597'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='597'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118557 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-1024x597.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-960x560.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-1080x630.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1-170x99.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/medieval-renaissance-beauty-standards-art-classic-1.jpg 1170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/01\/14\/multimedia\/02Burke-review-tcfk\/02Burke-review-tcfk-mediumSquareAt3X.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; nyt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With their eyebrows all but gone, these women needed huge, expressive eyes to make up for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Big, glowing, and dark eyes were the beauty ideal. They were considered <strong>soulful and innocent<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nowadays, you can simply get any kind of eye contacts. If you want to, you can make your entire eye completely black!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But back then, women had to use <strong>drops<\/strong> hecho <strong>from belladonna<\/strong> to dilate their pupils! They risked poisoning and blinding themselves just to fit in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The enlarged pupils made the eyes look deep, which created the perfect contrast to the pale face.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People saw emotion and vulnerability in this look, and the poets idealized it.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beauty standards are constantly changing, and we don&rsquo;t need to look far in the past to notice the pattern. Just a couple of years ago, &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":118562,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[208],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-118491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-history"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118491"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118491\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":119918,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118491\/revisions\/119918"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/118562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=118491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=118491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}