Contemporary women of generous proportions often say they have a "Rubenesque" beauty. This expression refers to the way Dutch painter Peter Paul Rubens portrayed the human figure in his epic works of the 17th century. If its in a painting, it must be beautiful, right?
A student of the Dutch Masters might argue just the opposite - that Rubens was using the extra pounds to warn against the dangers of gluttony and sloth. The Drunken Silenus (1617) stumbles home with the devil (just behind him on the left).
Venus at the Mirror (1615) might be a warning against vanity:
Bacchus has "man boobs" from drinking too much booze and is raising a couple of drunk kids:
But Jesus? Peter Paul Rubens painted Jesus kinda "ripped" in The Incredulity of St. Thomas.
He's got abs like Mark Wahlberg back in the day. He's strong enough to withstand anything. Resurrection? No problem. He's led a cleansed and grateful life.
Just a word of warning about throwing that "Rubenesque" phrase around too carelessly.
Awww, man! I look kinda rubinesque. bummer. Jesus does look good, though. I bet he could power through your ab workout.
Posted by: teent | May 03, 2010 at 03:44 PM
Whoa! I like the way Jesus looks! Rubenesque might be attractive to some, beauty being in the eye of the beholder and all, but I like "bodacious!" myself!
Posted by: Cyndi | May 03, 2010 at 09:37 AM