Every era has its own standards for beauty. In the Middle Ages, the high forehead look was popular. In the artwork, all the women have protuberant abdomens, a definite no-no now. In the United States, a round-shouldered, pale appearance was considered beautiful, a little weird since that look is a symptom of advanced TB. Very white skin was valued in the Elizabethan era, a look achieved by the liberal application of white lead.

The ancient Greeks also had standards. Symmetry of facial features was one. (That is valued now as well, think Denzel Washington.) Pale skin was another admired trait. The theory is that since people who worked outside were tanned, those who had the leisure to stay inside were the wealthy – the elite. Of course, that standard has changed since it is the elite now who have the leisure to tan.)

Physical fitness, especially for men, was particularly valued. Just look at the statuary and the pictures. And, of course, it was the Greeks who began the Olympics.

One of the admired traits I found surprising: the unibrow was apparently considered beautiful. That definitely is not the case now!