100-Year-Old Photos of the Most Beautiful Women of the Last Century

In a world that often seems to redefine beauty with each passing decade, the allure of certain figures remains undiminished by time. The last century alone has seen a kaleidoscope of beauty standards, each shaped by its societal norms and cultural currents. Yet, among the ever-changing ideals, a group of women has transcended the typical confines of their eras to be celebrated not just for their outward appearances but for their enduring impact on the world. These women, captured in photographs a century old, continue to captivate and inspire. Who were these paragons of beauty, and what makes them resonate so strongly even today?

Historical Context of Beauty

The perception of beauty has dramatically transformed over the past century, reflecting broader societal changes and shifting cultural norms. At the turn of the 20th century, the Gibson Girl was the epitome of beauty, embodying an ideal that balanced traditional femininity with new notions of independence. This image evolved into the more liberated flapper of the 1920s, known for her thin frame and stylish demeanor, marking a significant shift towards a more modern aesthetic that valued youth and slight figures.

As the decades progressed, each brought its own beauty icons and ideals, influenced by both socioeconomic factors and media representations. The post-war 1950s revered a curvier silhouette, aligning femininity with domesticity and motherhood. This trend was a response to the previous era’s hardships, emphasizing a lush, accessible image of beauty that stood in stark contrast to the hardship of war times.

Moving into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, beauty standards continued to evolve with the social movements of the times. The empowerment and body positivity movements have challenged traditional ideals, celebrating a diversity of body types, ages, and ethnicities. The rise of social media has further democratized beauty, allowing more voices to redefine what it means to be beautiful​.

This fluidity in beauty standards is not just a reflection of changing fashion but also a broader cultural shift towards greater inclusivity and self-expression. Today, beauty is increasingly viewed as an expression of individual identity and a rejection of narrow standards, showcasing a wide array of human experiences and ideals.

This historical journey through beauty standards not only highlights the aesthetic changes but also mirrors the progress in social attitudes towards gender, identity, and body image over the last century.

Iconic Figures of Timeless Beauty

The notion of timeless beauty, celebrated through the lens of history, is exemplified by figures such as Anna May Wong, whose legacy in the realm of cinema and beyond still resonates today. Wong, born in Los Angeles to a second-generation Chinese-American family, emerged as the first Chinese-American movie star, navigating and challenging the racial barriers of early Hollywood. Despite facing systemic discrimination and stereotyping, she carved a niche for herself, embodying roles that often defied the period’s racial constraints.

Anna May Wong

Wong’s career spanned silent films, sound films, television, and stage, marking significant milestones in an era riddled with racial prejudices. Her early fascination with films grew as she spent her childhood savings to watch movies and even skip school to sneak onto film sets. This passion saw her breaking into Hollywood as an extra before making her mark with the lead role in The Toll of the Sea (1922), which was among the first films made in Technicolor. Wong’s persistence in the industry was not just about personal success but also about altering the perception and roles of Asian Americans in Hollywood. Her legacy includes the establishment of Anna May Wong Productions, through which she aimed to create films that offered genuine portrayals of Chinese culture—though the venture was short-lived due to financial mismanagement by a business partner​.

Wong’s influence extended beyond American borders; frustrated by the typecasting in Hollywood, she moved to Europe in the late 1920s. There, she found greater acceptance and flexibility in roles, performing in English, German, and French productions and sharing the stage with notable figures like Laurence Olivier. Her return to the U.S. brought her historic roles, yet she continually battled against the restricted portrayals available to her. Even as she gained international acclaim, Wong had to navigate the challenges posed by Hollywood’s racial limitations, notably being passed over for the lead role in The Good Earth in favor of a white actress in yellowface—a decision that deeply affected her​.

Throughout her life, Wong was a fashion icon as well, known for her exquisite style and elegance, which added to her aura on and off the screen. Her contribution to the arts and her pioneering role in the representation of Asian Americans in cinema are commemorated through various awards named in her honor and her recognition on U.S. currency, highlighting her enduring impact on both cultural and aesthetic standards.

Women of Diverse Talents

The early 20th century not only marked an evolution in the entertainment industry but also saw women like Maude Fealy carving their niches in both stage and screen, showcasing a blend of talent and tenacity that continues to inspire.

Maude Fealy (1881-1971)

Maude Fealy was not only a celebrated actress of the silent film era but also a respected teacher and playwright. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Fealy entered the stage at a young age under her mother’s tutelage, eventually making a significant mark in both theater and early cinema. Her career extended into the 1950s, highlighted by a series of transitions between stage and screen roles, alongside establishing herself as an influential drama instructor across several American cities.

Fealy’s impact on theater was profound. She was notably active in Denver’s Elitch Theatre where she became a star of the summer stock theater, a tradition that helped her gain prominence. Her roles varied widely, reflecting her versatile acting skills that were much lauded at the time. Not just confined to acting, Fealy was deeply involved in the theatrical community, directing plays and running acting workshops that nurtured future generations of actors​.

Moreover, Fealy ventured into playwriting and teaching, with her works and educational endeavors leaving a lasting legacy in the cities she called home, including Denver and Los Angeles. She authored several plays and was actively involved in the Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s, a New Deal program to fund theater and other live artistic performances in the United States​.

Fealy’s dedication to the craft extended to founding drama schools where she taught acting, enhancing her reputation as a mentor who shaped many notable careers. Her schools in Denver and California were well-regarded, offering training that combined practical acting skills with deep theatrical knowledge​.

Global Influencers and Unsung Heroines

One of the most profound voices of the 20th century, Marian Anderson not only broke barriers with her extraordinary vocal talent but also became a significant figure in the struggle for civil rights through her artistry and public presence.

Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson was a celebrated American contralto whose voice was described by the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini as one that comes “once in a hundred years.” Born in 1897 in Philadelphia, Anderson faced racial barriers from the start of her career in the United States, prompting her to find early success in Europe where she was not subjected to the same level of discrimination. However, her talent was undeniable and eventually recognized universally, leading to significant performances that included an iconic 1939 open-air concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., arranged after she was denied the right to perform at Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution because of her race.

This concert, attended by 75,000 people and broadcast to millions, not only showcased her incredible talent but also turned into a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, illustrating the power of art to transcend and challenge societal barriers. The support of figures like Eleanor Roosevelt, who resigned from the DAR in protest and helped facilitate the concert, was crucial. Anderson’s performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial has since been seen as a symbol of both artistic excellence and profound social impact​.

Throughout her life, Anderson used her platform to advocate for civil rights, often refusing to perform in segregated venues and using her voice in literal and metaphorical terms to advance the cause of equality. Her legacy is preserved in the countless recordings and accolades she received, and she continues to inspire future generations of musicians and activists.

Legacy and Inspiration

The enduring influence of iconic women throughout history continues to shape modern society in profound ways, serving as both a beacon and a bridge from the past to the present and future. These women not only challenged the status quo but also paved the way for future generations to advance in fields that were once deemed unattainable.

• Transcending Barriers: Women like Marian Anderson and Josephine Baker broke significant racial and gender barriers in their respective fields. Anderson’s legendary performance at the Lincoln Memorial symbolized the struggle for civil rights and set a precedent for the power of peaceful protest in America. Similarly, Baker not only entertained but also actively participated in the French Resistance during WWII and was a vocal advocate for civil rights back in the United States​.

• Pioneering in Science and Technology: Women like Rosalind Franklin and Ada Lovelace made groundbreaking contributions to science and technology. Franklin’s work was crucial in understanding the DNA structure, although her contributions were only widely recognized posthumously. Lovelace’s work laid the foundation for modern computing and continues to influence the field today​.

• Advocacy and Human Rights: Figures like Shirin Ebadi and Rigoberta Menchú Tum used their platforms to fight for human rights and justice. Ebadi, an Iranian lawyer and former judge, has been a staunch advocate for democracy and human rights, especially for women and children in Iran. Menchú, from Guatemala, has been instrumental in advocating for indigenous rights and reconciliation​.

• Education and Empowerment: Women like Fatima al-Fihri, who founded the first university in the world, have made lasting contributions to education. Al-Fihri’s university continues to operate, a testament to her enduring legacy of fostering knowledge and learning​.

A Legacy of Change: Celebrating the Timeless Impact of Iconic Women

As we reflect on the lives and legacies of these remarkable women, it is clear that their contributions extend far beyond their immediate achievements. They have not only reshaped the societal landscape in their respective fields—be it arts, science, activism, or education—but have also laid down the gauntlet for future generations to carry forward their torch. The stories of these women are not just tales of personal triumph but are pivotal chapters in the ongoing narrative of human progress. They encourage us to challenge the status quo, push for equitable change, and continue breaking barriers in pursuit of a more inclusive world.