Beauty Through the Ages: Chapter Four - Baroque and Rococo Elegance

In Chapter Four of our exploration into beauty standards, we delve into the Baroque and Rococo periods, spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, marked by opulence, artistic exuberance, and social refinement. This period witnessed the emergence of distinct beauty ideals in Europe that were quite different from the previous eras.

Baroque European Beauty Standards

Baroque fashion was characterized by extravagance and opulence. Women adorned themselves with luxurious fabrics, intricate lace, and elaborate embroidery. Dresses featured dramatic silhouettes with wide skirts and tight bodices, emphasizing a woman's curves.

Rich velvets, brocades, and silks were favored, reflecting social standing and wealth. Jewelry became more elaborate, featuring precious stones, pearls, and intricate metalwork. Accessories like fans and gloves were added as a further elegance. Baroque hairstyles were grand and elaborate. Women often styled their hair high on the head, adding curls, ribbons, and decorative combs. Wigs became very popular among men and women, which allowed them to wear more extravagant styles.

A pale complexion made a comeback during the Baroque period and women used white lead or rice powder to achieve a fair skin tone. Makeup included rouge for the cheeks and lips and kohl for outlining the eyes.

Rococo European Beauty Standards

The Rococo era, following the Baroque, introduced a shift towards frivolity and lightness. Fashion became more whimsical, with softer lines and pastel colors instead of extravaganza. Women's attire featured delicate fabrics, ribbons, and lace, meaning a more feminine look was preferred.

Rococo hairstyles were softer and more graceful than their Baroque counterparts. Curls and waves were popular, and hair was often adorned with flowers, feathers, and ribbons. The emphasis was on creating an air of effortless beauty.

Makeup in the Rococo period embraced a more natural appearance. While a pale complexion was still fashionable, the use of heavy cosmetics during that period declined. Women usually wore rouge and lip tints subtly to enhance their natural features. Contrasting to the Baroque period, Rococo beauty ideals celebrated fragile, delicate femininity. Women were encouraged to embody grace and gentleness in appearance and demeanor. The concept of "shepherdess chic" became popular, evoking a romanticized pastoral aesthetic.

Global Influences from Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures

The Baroque and Rococo periods saw an increased interest in exoticism and oriental influences. Fabrics, accessories, and hairstyles sometimes incorporate elements inspired by Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. Increased trade and cultural exchange with other parts of the world influenced fashion and beauty. Fabrics, patterns, and accessories from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East found their way into European wardrobes, adding a diverse flair to beauty standards.

Conclusion

In addition to shaping European aesthetics, the Baroque and Rococo eras saw a global exchange of influences. European wardrobes were influenced by Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, which gave beauty standards more depth and variety. These era's accessories, haircuts, and clothing served as markers of social status as well as cultural expressions and personal decoration. As we enter Chapter Five and go into the nineteenth century, we see the evolution of beauty throughout various cultures and societies, spanning from the Romantic era to the Industrial Revolution.