How do we know baroque art depicted obese ladies because of a different ideal of beauty?

Question

I've often heard that the obesity of women in baroque art signs that such women were the ideal of beauty. How could we know that? And how could we know it wasn't just "cultural rationalization" of a standard physical appearance of higher classes?

Answer 1

Are beauty standards really anything more than the cyclical rationalization of the standard physical appearance of higher classes?

Historically, beauty standards did not appear out of nowhere. Beauty standards are, and have always been, created and defined by the ruling class. Whether it be the traditional Western art figure of a curvy white woman in the image of the Greek and Roman goddesses or the hourglass figure so popular today, beauty standards are always defined by status and wealth.

For a historical example, having curves meant one was wealthy enough to afford wholesome food, and if one was pale that meant one was wealthy enough not to have to work in the sun. Not having to work, affording lavish food, being generally wealthy? All traits of the aristocracy.