How to be a Renaissance woman : the untold history of beauty & female creativity / Jill Burke.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Burke, Jill, 1971- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cosmetics--Europe--History--16th century.

Cosmetics.

Beauty culture--Europe--History--16th century.

Beauty culture.

Women--Europe--Social life and customs--16th century.

Women.

Women artists--Europe--History--16th century.

Women artists.

Renaissance.

Aesthetics.

Sex role.

renaissance.

sex role.

Physical Description:

xiii, 317 pages, [8] unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm.

Edition:

First Pegasus Books cloth edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Pegasus Books, 2024.

Summary:

"Plunge into the intimate history of cosmetics, and discover how, for centuries, women have turned to make-up as a rich source of creativity, community and resistance. The Renaissance was an era obsessed with appearances. And beauty culture from the time has left traces that give us a window into an overlooked realm of history - revealing everything from 16th-century women's body anxieties to their sophisticated botanical and chemical knowledge. 'How to be a Renaissance Woman' allows us to glimpse the world of the female artists, artisans and businesswomen carving out space for themselves, as well as those who gained power and influence in the cut-throat world of the court. In a vivid exploration women's lives, Professor Jill Burke invites us to rediscover historical cosmetic recipes and unpack the origins of the beauty ideals that are still with us today."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction

Part one: Beauty ideals

1. Venus and the fruit seller

2. What is a (Renaissance) woman?

3. Sprezzatura and the natural look

Part two: Judgement

4. Was Renaissance beauty culture oppressive or empowering?

5. Beauty tips for brides

6. Whiteface

Part three: Renaissance bodywork

7. Getting in shape

8. Breast bags, nose jobs and labiaplasty

9. Witch hunts and body hair

Part four: Power (un)dressing

10. Beauty's dangerous paths

11. Nakedness and the power of the gaze

12. Rebellious hair

Part five: Communities of knowledge

13. Poison and the patriarchy

14. What Renaissance women knew

15. How to be a Renaissance woman: the recipes.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical refernces (pages 259-298) and index.

ISBN:

1639365907

9781639365906

OCLC:

1384415214