What is beauty – and how do ideals of beauty change?
The Art of Beauty explores beauty and body care from antiquity to the eighteenth century: preserved recipes, elaborate production processes, and specialized utensils offer insights into the world of beauty. What has changed – and what has stayed the same?
Humans have always been concerned with body care and the desire to “be beautiful.” But anyone who believes beauty has always been a purely female concern is in for a surprise.
Women and men alike followed various trends to match the prevailing ideals of beauty, enhance their appearance, and present themselves in the best possible light. Social upheaval influenced not only the idea of beauty itself but also the substances used and how they were produced.
The legends surrounding her love affair and secret, socially unequal marriage to Archduke Ferdinand II, her reputation as a helpful and knowledgeable healer, and her mother’s Book of Medicines make Philippine Welser one of the most remarkable women in Tyrolean history. The carnations in the left background of her portrait can be interpreted as a hint at her secret engagement to Archduke Ferdinand II. They also refer to her role in healing practices and to their use as fragrant ingredients.
In antiquity, beauty was understood as a holistic concept encompassing not only the body but also the mind. The beauty of the body was seen as a reflection of both inner and outer virtues in art as well. The torso of Hercules vividly conveys the hero’s qualities in the impressive musculature of his body.
Men have been asking themselves the same question for 5,000 years: clean-shaven, goatee, full beard, or moustache? In every culture and every era, facial hair has been shaped by fashion, nationality, society, and religion.
A pink tunic, gold earrings with pearls, and a simple yet elegant updo – a style that would still be considered fashionable today. Lifelike portraits of the deceased like this one were made to be placed over the face of the embalmed mummy.
Victory through beauty: This plate depicts the key scene in perhaps the most famous beauty contest of antiquity. Paris hands the golden apple to Aphrodite, while winged Victoria crowns her with a laurel wreath. The defeated goddesses Athena and Hera appear at the edges and in the background.
The exhibition explores different beauty ideals and cosmetic trends over the millennia.
The roots of today’s cosmetics go back to ancient Egypt. Useful production techniques and innovative ingredients had a lasting influence on beauty products. Cosmetics were not only meant to enhance appearance, but also to mask illness. A key object in this context is Philippine Welser’s Medical Manuscript, created around 1560 and held at Ambras Castle.
The Medical Manuscript was written by Anna Welser (mother of Philippine Welser) between 1560 and 1570. It contains personal recipes as well as guidance on childhood illnesses, skincare, and dental hygiene. It does not follow the tradition of scientific herbals or medical texts of the time, but is in many ways ahead of its time.
A Hairy Affair: In the Renaissance, hairstyles were inspired by ancient models: hair was tinted blond or reddish, braided, and often styled in elaborate updos. The main tools needed for this were combs, which also served for hair care and cleanliness. Utensils like combs and cosmetics were not stored in the bath, but rather kept by the barber or taken into living spaces.
The Perfect Gaze: Eye makeup held special significance in ancient Egypt – it accentuated the eyes visually while also offering protective benefits. It was used by both genders in dark tones. Eyeliner and eyeshadow were applied, and later, eyelashes and eyebrows were also enhanced.
The Art of Beauty tells fascinating stories of beauty through culturally and art historically significant objects. It also addresses topics like body positivity and body shaming via social media stations. With international loans and works from Ambras and the other collections of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the exhibition offers a compelling look at 5,000 years of beauty.
Special Exhibition The Art of Beauty 18 June to 5 October 2025 Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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