Renaissance Europe
With the start of the Renaissance throughout Europe, breasts began to take on a more erotic and sexualized meaning. Artist Jean Fouquet is well-known for his portrayal of the Virgin Mary breastfeeding baby Jesus in his painting “Virgin and Child Surrounded by Angels.” Rather than the usual sweet expression on her face, she is devoid of any emotion and stares straight into the eyes of the viewer, shifting the focus on a single breast she offers to the baby. It was eventually banned by the Council of Trent, as they believed it was too scandalous and would distract from prayer. The French Catholic Church even banned showing cleavage, going as far to refer to it as the “gates of hell.” However, starting at the beginning of the 14th century, decollete gowns became a fashion trend with low necklines and visible cleavage. Queen Elizabeth I was known for wearing these low-cut dresses to important meetings as a symbol of purity and virtue.
Victorian Era
During the Victorian Era, women were faced with conflicting values of modesty and portraying maternal femininity. The ideal body shape was an “S,” facilitated by a corset that cinched the waist and lifted the breasts. Although most outfits worn by women were high-necked, evening wear was marked by lower-cut necklines that emphasized cleavage created by corsets underneath. Additionally, there exist some Victorian-era daguerreotypes portraying women breastfeeding their children. These early photos were likely kept as mementos, displaying the association of breasts and breastfeeding with tender motherhood.
1920s-1940s
From the 1920s to the 1940s, the United States was marked by rapid change on the world stage and accompanying shifts in the societal roles of women. After World War I, women embraced the “flapper” look, marked by short hair and bandeau bras that flattened their chest. By the 1930s, the trend shifted towards embracing the sensuality of breasts, with sex symbols such as the actress Mae West embracing a more feminine silhouette. America’s involvement in World War II led to the rise of hypersexualized “pin-up” girls, such as the Varga girls in the popular Esquire magazine. This era popularized the bullet/torpedo bra, which gave breasts a perky and conical shape.
21st Century
In the 21st century, breasts simultaneously represent sexuality and liberation. In mainstream media such as the popular TV show “Euphoria,” main characters like Cassie (played by Sydney Sweeney, a modern sex symbol) wear revealing outfits, thus associating cleavage with sexual attractiveness, and by extension, vulgarity. Breasts in paintings are sometimes censored in public broadcasts, such as Pablo Picasso’s “Women of Algiers” on Fox News in 2015. The fashion industry favors plunging necklines and form-fitting outfits that emphasize the chest.
In response to this trend of oversexualizing breasts, the “Free the Nipple” movement launched in the 2010s. Aiming to advocate for the desexualization of breasts, the movement encourages women not to wear bras.
Another way that breasts have become sexualized is through breast cancer awareness, which has resulted in a flurry of pink ribbons and phone cases with breast-inspired designs.