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The Evolution of Beauty

Calvin Fisher

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Published in The Evolution Of Beauty: How Darwin S Forgotten Theory Of Mate Choice Shapes The Animal World And Us

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What is beauty? Is it a timeless ideal, or does it change over time? In her new book, The Evolution of Beauty, author Sarah Blaffer Hrdy explores the history of beauty, from the ancient world to the present day. She argues that our perception of beauty is not fixed, but rather has been shaped by culture, society, and technology.

The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin's Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World - and Us

by Richard O. Prum

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	56257 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	410 pages

Hrdy begins her book by examining the earliest representations of beauty in art. In the ancient world, beauty was often associated with fertility and youth. The Venus of Willendorf, for example, is a small statuette of a woman with exaggerated breasts and hips. This figure is thought to represent a fertility goddess, and it suggests that beauty was once seen as a sign of reproductive health.

As cultures evolved, so did their представления of beauty. In the Middle Ages, beauty was often associated with chastity and modesty. Paintings of the Virgin Mary, for example, often depicted her as a young woman with long, flowing hair and a gentle expression. This ideal of beauty reflected the values of the time, which emphasized the importance of virginity and piety.

The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in classical ideals of beauty. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo depicted women with idealized bodies and perfect proportions. This new ideal of beauty was influenced by the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman art.

In the 18th century, the Rococo style became popular. This style was characterized by its use of soft, pastel colors and delicate, flowing lines. Paintings from this period often depicted women as娇弱 and graceful. This ideal of beauty reflected the values of the time, which emphasized the importance of leisure and pleasure.

The 19th century saw a shift in the ideal of beauty. Women were now expected to be more robust and athletic. This change was influenced by the rise of the middle class, which valued hard work and physical fitness. Paintings from this period often depicted women as strong and capable.

The 20th century witnessed a further shift in the ideal of beauty. Women were now expected to be thin and glamorous. This change was influenced by the rise of the fashion industry and the mass media. Paintings from this period often depicted women as glamorous and unattainable.

Today, there is no single ideal of beauty. Instead, there are a variety of different ideals that vary depending on culture, society, and personal preference. This diversity reflects the fact that beauty is not a fixed concept, but rather a fluid one that has changed over time and will continue to change in the future.

In The Evolution of Beauty, Sarah Blaffer Hrdy provides a fascinating overview of the history of beauty. She shows how our perception of beauty has been shaped by a variety of factors, and she argues that beauty is not a timeless ideal, but rather a fluid concept that changes over time. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of beauty, or in the nature of beauty itself.

The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin's Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World - and Us

by Richard O. Prum

4.5 out of 5