Throughout history, artists have been captivated by the beauty of the female form. In early Egyptian art, for example, women were often depicted as idealized versions of themselves, with slender waists and faces that embodied youth and attractiveness. In Greek art, meanwhile, female beauty was often associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Thus, many sculptures and paintings from this period depict women with soft features and generous curves. During the Renaissance period, artists began to focus on realism, so the women in their work tended to be more realistic. However, they retain an idealised quality, with perfect skin and proportions. Today, female beauty is celebrated in all types of art, from advertising to museums. It is clear that the female form will continue to inspire artists for many years to come.

Gustav Klimt, Paul Gauguin and Edgar Degas were all revolutionary artists in their field, and each had a unique approach to the representation of the female form. For Klimt, women were often depicted as ethereal beings, with luminous skin and flowing hair. This is the case in The Kiss and in Danae. His use of gold leaf and intricate patterns lends a certain opulence to his works, while conveying a sense of supernatural beauty. Gauguin's women were equally exotic, but they also conveyed a sense of primitive power: the works Two Tahitians and Arearea are examples. His bold use of colour and primitive forms helped to create an air of mystery around his subjects. Degas, on the other hand, focused on depicting the reality of the female form, often capturing dancers in moments of fatigue or rest. Although his works were sometimes criticised for being too frank, they nonetheless conveyed a sense of the everyday beauty of women. Dancers are often the focus of his works, as in Dancers in Pink and Dancers in Pink and Green. All three artists had their own vision of female beauty, and their works continue to inspire admiration and appreciation.

Would you like to buy reproductions of Gustav Klimt's paintings? Discover all our high quality reproductions by Galerie Mont-Blanc. We also offer reproductions of paintings by Paul Gauguin and reproductions of paintings by Edgar Degas.