The Perception of Female Beauty In Art: "The Kiss"

Sunday, May 8, 2011

"The Kiss" - Gustav Klimt 1907

Art from the early 1900’s is classified as Art Nouveau, a movement that focused on new ideas and the true beauty of the world. During this time, technologies emerged, causing many artists to embrace these new ideas within their paintings. Art Nouveau was also an effect of the Industrial Revolution. Artists began using new materials in attempt to make each piece of art an embellished masterpiece. One famous painter from this time period, Gustav Klimt, succeeded in creating a painting that effectively captures the beauty of women and nature (Greenhalgh).

In The Kiss, Klimt paints a golden-toned, intricate scene that depicts a man and women engaged in a deep and passionate kiss. The man, composed of neutral-colored rectangles, appears as the dominant figure, as he is completely draped over the woman. Both of his hands are placed on her face, as he holds her head while he kisses her cheek. Based on the thickness of his neck, he appears to be strong and protective of the woman, uninterested in anything except for her. The woman, however, consists of various circles that construct the outline of her dress. The viewer’s attention is immediately drawn to her pale face, which compliments her rosy cheeks and tiny, delicate lips. The delicacy of her face and the way she seems to hang from the man’s neck makes her seem vulnerable, but it also highlights the fact that a woman has the capability to tempt a man with her sexuality. Her small hands gently rest on top of his, demonstrating that they are enjoying each other’s touch. Finally, the golden vines that hang from her legs and droop onto a patch of multifarious flowers add to the overall sense of beauty that dominates the painting.

The woman’s calm expression and slim stature exemplify people’s definition of beauty in the twentieth century. The two figures seem to blend together, as if they are literally lost within each other. The bright tone of the picture represents the magnificence of love, both physically and emotionally. Contrary to art prior to Art Nouveau, this work depicts beautiful women as thin, gentle, and inferior to men. Beautiful women were not powerful or intelligent, but they were romantic wives with desirable features.

Greenhalgh, Paul. A New Style for a New Age. <http://www.nga.gov/feature/nouveau/exhibit_intro.shtm>

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Introduction

People’s definition of a beautiful woman changes based on geographic location and time period. The following artworks from Ancient China, Ancient Europe, Iran, and the modern world are just a few examples of how the perception of beauty has changed from 618-2004. The world judges women by expecting them to look or act a certain way, but each society’s definition of beauty is slightly different. For example, one country may glorify slim women, while another may value heavier ones. Men may glorify women who do not challenge their authority, while others may value independent, successful scholars. However, no matter which race or which country these images relate to, women from all over the world want to feel beautiful, and many females try to change themselves in order to fit the society’s standard.

Links

The blog Image vs. Substance: Perceptions of Beauty further explores the idea that one’s perception of beauty is often unattainable. Avery uses words such as “flawless,” “perfect,” and “unrealistic” to emphasize the idea that a society often influences women to desire an ideal appearance, but in reality, it is almost impossible to achieve such an image.

For example, as demonstrated through “Elizabeth Taylor,” “the perception of beauty was reduced to sex appeal.” Through the depiction of a cartoon-looking portrait, the artist hints that the modern view of beauty has become superficial and shallow. People only focus on the exterior of a person, and they often admire women for beauty, not talent. Furthermore, Their is a clear link between women and the 1800’s, and modern women. Both would make “uncomfortable sacrifices in order to become ‘beautiful.’” These women would wear corsages to make their waistline appear thinner, where as today a slim midriff is still considered beautiful. The painting Queen Marie Antoinette emphasizes the idea that success comes to those who are attractive, a message that is accurate most of the time in modern society all over the world. Image vs. Substance: Perceptions of Beauty, however, does acknowledge the idea that in certain countries, for example, Europe in 1501, beautiful people were those who were intelligent, and in 1916, it was admirable when people challenged commonly accepted ideas. However, the crude truth is that throughout history, women are often admired not for their contributions to society or for their intelligence, but solely for their beauty.

http://beautyovertime.blogspot.com/

The blog Female Agency focuses on the similarities between men and women in everyday life, and how women are attempting to achieve the same rights and perceptions of beauty as men. Rather than women be judged by their looks, they strive to be judged by intelligence and confidence. The works in this blog highlight unfairness between the genders, as well as the image that women hope to obtain in the future.

The first piece “Judith Slaying Holofernus” depicts a strong woman whose bravery and determination dominate the painting. Although these qualities are usually paired with a man, Gentileschi expresses that a women is completely capable of being just as strong, literally and figuratively, as a man. This idea is carried over to “Hua Mulan Goes to War,” where Hua contradicts the usual stereotype of women getting married and bearing children. She embodies the strength and success that a man needs on the battlefield. Additionally, women are The poster “The Gurrilla Girls” calls attention to the severity of sexism and the idea that feminine art is only “museum-worthy” if the women are nude. Once again, a women is not valued for her talents, but for her body. These pieces focus on the modern idea that although women may have achieved the same rights as men, they will never be viewed as equals until a society can accept and appreciate a women not for her looks, but for her strength, wit, and success.

http://femaleagency.blogspot.com/?zx=cc488bf5607cb937