Etude de Jeune Fille
The
Beautiful
Mouth
is
Shapely,
like
a
Bow
Unbent
“Time was when only the tiny little ‘ rosebud ” of a mouth was considered a feature of beauty.
The shape of the beautiful mouth, it was advised, must be good – ” like a bow unbent ” – and it must have lips fairly full and of a good colour. The red lips must then be set like strawberries in cream – i.e., the skin round the mouth must be smooth and white.
Expression must undoubtedly be good, if such a thing be possible, since a bad expression, ultimately, spoils the shape. Hence, “contortions and grimaces” are strongly discouraged. A well-formed mouth governed by an unpleasant expression is simply not beautiful.
PERSONAL TEA NOTE: On this day, special birthday wishes to the girl you once were.
REFERENCE:
Beauty Culture For Women. No. 5. Beauty Of Mouth And Lips
Excerpt: Every Woman’s Encyclopedia, 1910.
Painting: Etude de Jeune Fille (Study of a Young Girl), Thomas Couture






































































































































































Lovely.
I love this painting, it is ravishing.
what a beautiful painting
yes the painting is ALL. pgt
‘Set like strawberries in cream’ , I ADORE that thought. I’ve tried to think of any other descriptives as nice and just can’t