Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024
The beauty standards for women during the medieval era (476 A.D. to 1400-1450A.D.) and renaissance period (1485 – 1750) varied by time period and region. Here are some considerations:
– Slender figure with tight dress emphasizing the waist. – Fair hair: Blonde hair was popular. – Pale skin hairless complexion. – Bright red lips. – Soft white hands.
A woman, a peasant’s daughter working the fields, helping in the farm and doing household chores would find it impossible to maintain soft white hands and pale skin. In those days, these standards are only available to members of royalty and the wealthy.
Westminster, 1500
Catherine of Aragon the first wife/Queen of King Henry VIII from 11 June 1509 until its annulment on 23 May 1533. Born: Dec. 16, 1485 Died: Jan. 07, 1536 (Aged 50)
Anne of Cleves at 24 Born: 28 June or 22 September 1515, Düsseldorf, Duchy of Berg, Holy Roman Empire
Died: 16 July 1557 (aged 41 or 42) Chelsea Manor, England. She was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII.
Above: Mary Tudor, Queen of France (1496-1533) was a figure of great significance in the Tudor court. The portrait was made when she was in her 30s.
Below is a sketch of Mary Tudor, Queen of France at 18 years old when she was about to marry King Louis XII on Oct. 9, 1514.
MARY TUDOR, Queen of France, sister of King Henry VIII. She was a much sought-after figure, renowned for her beauty and charisma. This 1514 sketch was made when she was 18 years old.
