From the influence of the devil to overzealous restorers, there are numerous strange reasons and theories behind the conspicuous lack of pubic hair on women depicted in Western art.
Truth is sculpting body hair was taking too much time and production couldn’t keep up with demand, so management decided to cut costs and keep it smooth.
Men were depicted with pubes, though. See the article, too.
A female friend of mine actually did a bachelor’s thesis on body hair removal across certain cultures and time periods. Fun discussions were had.
Short version, body hair removal on both women and men has been around for a very long time and is subject to changes. Depictions of nude bodies follow somewhat different rules, though. If they are at all permissible, that is.
Truth is sculpting body hair was taking too much time and production couldn’t keep up with demand, so management decided to cut costs and keep it smooth.
I feel like it might’ve been painted on for greek-style marble statues? Still unusual for paintings
Men were depicted with pubes, though. See the article, too.
A female friend of mine actually did a bachelor’s thesis on body hair removal across certain cultures and time periods. Fun discussions were had.
Short version, body hair removal on both women and men has been around for a very long time and is subject to changes. Depictions of nude bodies follow somewhat different rules, though. If they are at all permissible, that is.