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BÉRÉNICE ANTOINETTE ROBAGLIA

Work
Ateliers
Magazine



BODY; WHAT IS BEAUTY ?

04 June, 2023
My visit to Musée d'Orsay was a transformative experience, challenging my
perceptions of skin, body shapes, and female softness as depicted in art.
Stepping into the museum's permanent collection, I embarked on a remarkable
journey through the canons of beauty spanning the 16th to 19th centuries. It
became evident that while male figures often symbolized strength and dominance
with muscular bodies, women consistently embodied grace and beauty.

It is essential to clarify that I do not endorse or promote this binary vision
of beauty. Rather, I aim to highlight the stark contrast between historical
canons of beauty and the contemporary ideals that have influenced the mindset of
millennials and older generations in defining a beautiful body.

During the periods represented in the artworks at Musée d'Orsay, the
quintessence of beauty was far removed from today's emphasis on thinness and a
specific physique. Instead, prevailing notions of beauty embraced an aesthetic
that celebrated softness, curves, and a sense of sensuality.

Bouguereau's "Naissance de Venus" serves as a notable example. This painting
portrays a voluptuous Venus emerging from the sea, celebrating her generous
curves and softness as symbols of beauty. Bouguereau challenges the notion that
beauty is confined to a particular body type, reminding us of the diverse ways
in which women were admired in the past.

Similarly, Cabanel's "Le Paradis Perdu" depicts a sensual and radiant Eve, her
body portrayed with curves and feminine allure. Departing from the idealized
thinness associated with modern beauty standards, Cabanel emphasizes the allure
and sensuality of a more voluptuous figure.

Another significant work is "The Birth of Venus" (1863) by Alexandre
Cabanel. Adhering to the academic style of the time, the painting presents Venus
with flawless skin, delicate features, and a slender, hourglass figure. This
depiction aligns with the 19th-century standards of beauty that emphasized
grace, elegance, and classical ideals. However, it differs from our current
canon of beauty, which embraces diversity, body positivity, and inclusivity.

While the Musée d'Orsay predominantly showcases art from past centuries, it is
crucial to recognize the ongoing efforts to broaden the representation of
beauty.

Contemporary artists like Botero Joan Semell, Alice Neel or Jonathan Macfee defy
traditional beauty standards, celebrating the beauty of bigger and darker
individuals. Their art challenges societal norms, inspiring us to embrace the
diverse spectrum of the human form. By amplifying diverse voices, we can foster
an inclusive society that appreciates beauty in all its forms.

Visiting museums opens our eyes to reevaluate the narrow standards perpetuated
by media. Through my art and workshops, I highlight the importance of
celebrating the diversity of the human form. Art challenges preconceptions and
invites a more inclusive and compassionate view of beauty.



Alexandre Cabanel Naissance de Vénus En 1863. Photo Bérénice Robaglia

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