Nudes with Pubes: Art’s Biggest Controversy
Who knew that a patch of hair covering less than four square inches could spark so much scandal across human history?
Nudity itself has rarely been the issue—it’s that little patch of hair that seems to get everyone talking.
A Brief History of the Bare and the Hairy
In the ancient world, body hair was largely removed. Greek and Roman men might have had some stylised pubic hair in their art, but women? If they appeared nude at all (which was rare), they were usually depicted without a single strand below the neck. Prudish? Perhaps. But by the Middle Ages, a hairless pubis had taken on an entirely different connotation—one tied to prostitution.
To keep things "decent," artists covered up genitals with fig leaves, flowing fabrics, or strategically placed hands. Even classical Greek sculptures, famous for their idealised male physiques, often had their "manhood" modestly veiled. But, of course, there were exceptions. In 1540, German engraver Heinrich Aldegrever gave us a glimpse of Eve with an impressive, centre-parted bush.
Around the same time, Bronzino’s An Allegory with Venus and Cupid (1545) might be the first Western painting to depict female pubic hair… if you squint hard enough.
The Hair Renaissance (or Lack Thereof)
While the Renaissance and Baroque masters mostly kept their nudes bare, artists like Rubens and Rembrandt ensured their figures had at least a wisp of modesty. Then, in 1800, Francisco Goya changed the game with La Maja Desnuda—a nude so unashamed that, yes, you could actually see her pubic hair.
Fast-forward to 1814: Napoleon’s sister commissioned The Sleeper of Naples from Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and, for once, a female nude was painted with the same hairy detail that men had always received. Unfortunately, the painting was lost, and we only have a 1911 study to go by.
Meanwhile, in Japan, artists like Hokusai were already well ahead in the pubic hair department. His shunga (erotic art) often depicted women with full, natural pubes—a stark contrast to the West, where the mere suggestion of such hair was scandalous. In fact, in Japan, it was shaved pubic hair that was linked to prostitution, a cultural association that still lingers today.
The Victorian Era: A Hairy Scandal
The 19th century was a tumultuous time for pubic hair in art. In 1866, Gustave Courbet painted L’Origine du Monde—a bold, unapologetic celebration of the female form in all its hirsute glory. But the world wasn’t ready. The painting was kept hidden for 122 years before finally being publicly displayed in 1988.
For Victorian-era audiences, the mere sight of pubic hair was considered shocking. Just ask art critic John Ruskin. Legend has it that on his wedding night, he was so horrified by his wife Effie’s natural pubic hair (having only seen hairless statues before) that he fled and never consummated the marriage. The union was annulled a few years later.
The 20th Century: The Return of the Bush (and the Triangle)
By the late 1800s, artists like Van Gogh, Klimt, and Schiele were challenging the norms of beauty and eroticism. Schiele, in particular, painted women in unashamedly provocative poses, complete with wild, untrimmed pubic hair. Klimt’s Nuda Veritas (1899) caused an uproar, while Oskar Kokoschka’s nudes leaned more into the naturalistic than the erotic.
By 1917, the pubic taboo had mostly faded in art. Amedeo Modigliani’s signature elongated figures often included a neatly shaped triangle of hair—perhaps the inspiration for the "Brazilian" trend of today.
Conclusion: Hair Comes and Goes
Throughout history, pubic hair in art has been erased, censored, scandalised, and celebrated. Whether it's hidden behind fig leaves or boldly on display, the way we depict the body reflects cultural attitudes of the time.
So, the next time you see a classical nude, take a closer look—you might just spot a tiny but significant piece of history.
The Ultimate London Long Weekend Guide for Art & Culture Lovers
So, you're coming to London for a long weekend and want to do more than take selfies at Buckingham Palace? This guide is for those who appreciate history, art, and the occasional well-crafted cocktail in a dimly lit bar...
When to Visit? 📆
✅ Spring (April–May) & Early Autumn (September–October) – Pleasant weather / fewer crowds.
✅ Summer (June–July) – Longer days, lively atmosphere, but busier.
❌ January & February – Cold, wet, and dark; but also the quiestest months.
❌ December – Magical Christmas lights, but expect crowds and expensive hotels.
Getting to London ✈️
The best ways to arrive in London:
Heathrow Airport – Take the Heathrow Express (15 min to Paddington Station).
Gatwick Airport – Take the Gatwick Express (30 min to Victoria Station).
By Train – St. Pancras International is the main hub for Eurostar and long-distance train arrivals.
Good to Know 💡
🚇 Public Transport – No need to buy paper tickets; just tap your credit card or phone on the Tube and buses.
💷 Currency – Most places are cashless; card payments are widely accepted.
🛂 Visa/Entry Requirements – Entry rules have changed recently! Americans & Europeans need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. Be sure to check the official UK government website for the latest information well before your trip, as processing times can vary.
🚨 Security – Phone & bag thefts are common. Keep valuables secure, avoid using your phone near roads (grab-and-run thefts happen!), and be mindful of designer bags. The Tube & buses are safe, but avoid traveling alone late at night.
Where to Eat 🍽️
Let’s be honest—British food isn’t the reason you came. London’s true magic is its global cuisine. Here’s where to go:
French
Soutine (St. John’s Wood) $$$ – Classic French brasserie in a charming neighborhood.
Brasserie Zédel (Soho) $$$ – Old-school Parisian brasserie in the heart of London.
Austrian
Fischer’s (Marylebone) $$$ – Viennese café with schnitzel, bratwurst & apple strudel.
Polish/Baltic
Ognisko (Kensignton) $$ – Delicious Polish classic (Pierogi's are a must)!
Italian
Lina Stores (Multiple locations) $$ – Handmade pasta, good pricing.
Carlotta (Marylebone) $$$ – A fun/lavish Italian-American spot.
Persian
Berenjak (Soho & Borough Market) $$$ – Persian charcoal-grilled perfection. Book way ahead!
Indian
Dishoom (Multiple locations) $$ – You can only book for large groups, so expect a queue—it’s always busy, but absolutely worth it if you’re craving a proper curry .
Kutir (Chelsea) $$$ – High-end Indian in a stunning Georgian townhouse.
Asian
BAO (Multiple locations) $$ – Taiwanese street food, minimalist & trendy.
Bright Courtyard Club (Marylebone) $$$ – Classic Chinese dim sum & Peking duck.
Mexican
Kol (Marylebone) $$$ – Innovative, high-end Mexican cuisine.
American
Smokestak (Shoreditch) $$$ – BBQ done right.
⚠️ Book ahead—London restaurants fill up fast!
Where to Drink 🍻
London's pub culture is as essential to understanding the British psyche as queuing and apologizing when someone else steps on your foot.
Classic Pubs
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – A historic pub since 1666—feels like stepping back in time.
Guinea Grill (Mayfair) – Iconic steak pub, perfect for an old-school London experience.
The Pelican (Notting Hill) – Cozy pub with great food & wine list.
The Churchill Arms (Kensington) – Famous for floral displays & solid Thai food.
The Albion (Angel) – A hidden gem with a beer garden & fireplace.
Cocktail Bars
Sketch – A stylish and creative bar with beautifully designed interiors.
Museums & Cultural Sites 🏛️
⚠️ Most museums are FREE! (Unless you want to see the special exhibits)
Famous Museums
National Gallery – London's top art collection.
British Museum – Home to treasures from around the world. Pro tip: Book online in summer to skip the line
Victoria & Albert Museum – Fashion, design, and decorative arts.
Tate Modern – Contemporary and modern art housed in a repurposed power station.
Tate Britain – British artists, historical to modern.
Hidden Gems
Wallace Collection – 18th-century mansion packed with Rococo art & medieval armor.
Sir John Soane's Museum – The home of an eclectic collector, filled with architectural curiosities. Visit by candlelight on the first Tuesday of each month.
Courtauld Gallery – Features masterpieces by Manet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne without the National Gallery crowds.
Kenwood House – A stately home on Hampstead Heath, featuring Rembrandt & Vermeer. Best visited on a sunny day—take a walk in the Heath, and grab a pint at the historic Spaniards Inn nearby.
Denis Severs' House – An immersive time-capsule experience of an 18th-century home. Book a silent tour for the full atmosphere or a theatrical tour in the evening.
Churchill War Rooms – The underground bunker where Churchill directed WWII. Pre-booking is essential.
Pro Tip: Upgrade Your Museum Experience
Use MuseMuse for your next museum visit—you'll get:
✅ Self-guided museum tours (so you can go at your own pace).
✅ Engaging, digestible stories about art.
✅ Hidden gems & highlights that even locals might miss.
Shopping in London 🛍️
High Luxury:
✅ Bond Street & Mayfair – Home to flagship stores of Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.
✅ Harrods – One of the most famous department stores in the world. Visit the food hall!
✅ Selfridges – A modern/vibrant department store, great gift ideas in the basement.
✅ Liberty London – Historic shopping mall built from an old ship. Famous for its iconic fabric prints, which you can buy by the meter.
Boutiques & Independent Shops:
✅ Marylebone High Street – Great for small, independent boutiques and upscale shops in a village-like atmosphere.
✅ Chelsea High Street – A mix of high-end shops and charming stores along the King's Road.
Vintage & Markets:
✅ Camden Market – Sprawling market known for alternative fashion, handmade crafts, and street food.
✅ Borough Markets – Great street food.
Must-See Theatres & Shows 🎭
London's theatre scene is world-class, so book in advance for the best seats.
Book of Mormon – Warning: Very, very dark humor. If you're easily offended, maybe sit this one out.
Witness for the Prosecution – A small but excellent Agatha Christie production set in a real courtroom for the extra drama.
Zidel's Black Cat Cabaret – A tiny, ultra-exclusive Saturday night show in an iconic underground Soho location. Book way ahead! Cocktails are great, the atmosphere is even better.
Moulin Rouge – This one was fun!
Parks & Green Spaces 🌳
Regent's Park – Features the famous rose garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Hyde Park – A great place for a walk, and you might even see the Household Cavalry exercising their horses.
Kew Gardens – Botanical paradise best when flowers are in bloom. Note that it is quite far from the city center.
Mini Itineraries (For When You Have No Plan but Want One)
1. Trafalgar to Holborn
📍 Morning:
- Start at the National Gallery
- Wander through Covent Garden.
📍 Afternoon:
- Explore Sir John Soane’s Museum (quirky and worth it).
- Have a pint at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Dickens drank here, so you must too).
2. City of London & Tower Bridge (History & Drama)
📍 Morning:
- St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Walk across Millennium Bridge with views of the Thames.
- See the highlights of Tate Modern, particularly the Turbine Hall.
📍 Afternoon:
- Lunch at Borough Market (Padella for pasta, Berenjak for exceptional Persian food - book this one ahead).
- Stroll across Tower Bridge.
- End with the Tower of London for a glimpse into royal history and see the crown jewels.
3. Marylebone & Mayfair (Luxury & High Art)
📍 Morning:
- Begin with breakfast at one of Marylebone's chic cafés (Box Car Café in Marylebone is excellent)
- Admire The Wallace Collection
- Shop at Marylebone High Street & Chiltern Street for luxury and independent boutiques. Stop by Daunt Books, a beautiful Edwardian bookshop with a travel focus
📍 Afternoon:
- Lunch at Guinea Grill.
- Stroll through Mayfair & Bond Street.
- Grab a drink at Sketch.
- End the night with a West End show.
Easy Day Trips from London by Train🚆
Seven Sisters Hike – Gorgeous white cliffs on the coast, accessible by train and local buses. Take the train to Seaford or Eastbourne and follow the well-marked coastal path.
Oxford – Historic university town just an hour from London by train. Visit the Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and the Ashmolean Museum.
Cambridge – Book a punting (boat) tour ahead of time to see the historic colleges from the river. Also visit King's College Chapel and the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Windsor – See Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and take a walk in the Great Park.
Bath – Famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site is about 90 minutes from London by train.
Easy Day Trips from London by Car 🚗
Cotswolds – Quaint villages and rolling countryside. Visit Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden.
Snowshill Manor – A small, eclectic Victorian collector's house filled with unusual treasures and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Waddesdon Manor – A grand Rothschild estate with stunning gardens, impressive architecture, and an excellent art collection.
Blenheim Palace – The birthplace of Winston Churchill and a magnificent example of English Baroque architecture set in landscaped parkland.
London is a beast, but with a little planning (and some well-placed drinks), it’s a dream for culture lovers. Follow this guide, avoid the tourist traps, and most importantly—don’t leave without seeing some art! Your brain will thank you.
4 Spanish Restoration Fails
¡Ay, caramba! In art restoration, good intentions don't always lead to good results.1. Anonymous, “Religious Sculptures” (c. 15th century)
A local tobacco shopkeeper took it upon herself to add some flair to the trio of 15th-century wooden sculptures using industrial enamel paint.
“I’m not a professional painter” Maria Luisa Menendez
The sculptures had been professionally restored just 15 years before but the parish priest apparently had given his blessing to the amateur.
2. Unknown, “Saint George” (c. 16th century)
This 500-year-old sculpture of Saint George was turned into a cartoon character after the church hired a local teacher for the job.
Re-restoring it cost $37,000! The church paid for the re-restoration to “somewhat” its original appearance.
3. Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Copy of “The Immaculate Conception of El Escorial” (c. 17th century)
Spanish amateur restoration’s latest victim...
In 2020, an art collector paid $1,200 for a furniture restorer to clean up his copy of The Immaculate Conception of El Escorial.
He Made 2 Attempts. But the restorer only took it from worse to worser.
4. Elías García Martinez, “Ecce Homo (Monkey Christ)” (c. 1930)
Initially suspected as vandalism, the alterations were instead the creation of an 81-year-old parishioner.
“They didn’t let me finish” - Cecilia Giménez
Remarkably, this restoration turned into a notorious attraction, ultimately revitalizing the struggling economy of the small Spanish town. The Sanctuary of Mercy Church in Borja had around 46,000 visits between August and December 2012.
Spanish paintings:
Some voices in Spain are now calling for tighter rules for art restoration...
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