This is a response to Emily's question, "If we find the human form in its natural state beautiful enough to use it in art, why do we feel that it's inappropriate to show off the real thing in public"

I think that there are a few answers to this one. Well to start off, the human form has been used in art for centuries, even millenia possibly, because it is considered beautiful, fascinating, a work of art, etc. And in some cases, even most, it is. But the cultural changes in popular societies and historical changes, have determined that the human body must be covered up. Obviously one reason is protection of the body. It would be pretty darn cold if we did not have clothes, not to mention, painful to walk places without shoes, but that is not the point. Some societies view it as perfectly natural for a woman to bear her breast in public, like to feed an infant, or some tribes do not cover up that part of the body. But in others, the human body is not shown off because it has been commercialized and de-valued. When you think of the human body's place in advertising nowadays, the aim is usually for some kind of lust inspired result. Our bodies have become a symbol of, well... nah, i wont say capitalism, but something almost to be sold.

However, what determines the body's portrayal in society is also a direct result of the intent. Some places and people believe that the body is a very intimate thing and so it is shown off as little as possible. Some others, it is depicted much more casually. BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS that it is not depicted as an object of lust. someone naked in public may not be nearly as bad as if it was something to be considered pornographic.

But it is something that we teach ourselves. Dont be naked in public, it isnt right. A guideline that is used to teach a set of values. These values, once taught, are not usually easily changed.

SO my question for now is, when did the human body really begin being considered a work of art and not just a subject for art?