As we all know, our standards of beauty have changed so much. What was considered beautiful 50 years ago, likely is the exact opposite now. Not to mention there is so much more that makes someone beautiful than just their looks – their brains, brain, and what they accomplished are also so important! That said, there are so many women throughout history who are just timelessly stunning. We’ve compiled a list of 21 of these amazingly gorgeous ladies who, no matter what year it is, would still be considered beautiful today. Virtually all of these photos are 100 years old, give or take a decade or two, and are in no particular order. Enjoy!
Anna May Wong
Considered to be the very first Chinese American Hollywood actress. Anna’s real name was Wong Liu-tsong. It is pretty obvious how she made it onto our list! Not only was she extremely beautiful, but talented too. Her varied career spanned silent film, sound film, television, stage, and radio,
Gabrielle Ray
Gabrielle Elizabeth Clifford Cook was born in April of 1883. Gabrielle was the star of many comical musicals and was also thought to be one of the world’s most beautiful women.
Luzon woman of the Philippines
This historical image known as “A woman from Luzon, an island in northern Philippines” is from 1875 and proves that we do not need photoshop and airbrushing to create beauty.
Lena Horne
This American dancer, actress, singer, and civil rights activist was born in June 1917. The stunning Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was one of the most stunning women of her time, and still is!
Mary Pickford
Canadian-American Mary’s real name was Gladys Marie Smith. Her acting career lasted for five whole decades. Here is one of her most iconic photographs.
Coretta Scott King
As if her name did not give it away, Coretta Scott King was the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. Not only was Coretta absolutely stunning, but a talented author, activist, and naturally, a civil rights leader.
Maude Fealy
Born in 1883, Maude was well known for her acting in silent films as well as on stage. Maude was also one of the few who transitioned into the era of film with sound. Here is an iconic image of her beauty.
Katherine Dunham
One of the most talented and gorgeous women on our list is an American-born dancer, choreographer, creator of the Dunham Technique, author, educator, anthropologist, and social activist.
Doris Stocker
The beautiful British actress and singer, especially in Edwardian musical comedy. Doris was born in 1886 in India.
Agnes Ayres
Another actress from the era of silent movies, Agnes Ayres was one of the most popular silent stars of the 1920’s. It’s pretty obvious why she’s on our list, too. The woman was absolutely stunning!
Carolina Otero
Carolina’s full name was Agustina del Carmen Otero Iglesias. The stunning woman was a Spanish actress, dancer, and courtesan. Her beauty was renowned, as was her taste for many men!
Gypsy girl with mandolin
A painting by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot in 1875, we are sure the model was as beautiful as her portrait.
Rita Martin
Margareta “Rita” Weir Martin was not only beautiful in pictures, but took beautiful photos too. Martin took portraits of many suffragists and was a suffragist herself.
Ione Bright
Born in 1887, the American theatre actress was active in Broadway and other theatres from 1908 to the early 1950s. Ione was one of the most beautiful women of her time.
Lily Elsie
Born Elsie Cotton, Another Edwardian era’s most stunning singer/actress.
Valli “Valli” Knust
Born in Germany, Valli was a musical comedy actress and silent film performer. Valli spent most of her life in England as she had English accent.
Cleo de Merode
Cléopâtre-Diane de Mérode was a ballet dancer born in September 1875. As you can see, her face is as beautiful and exotic as her name
Marian Anderson
Philadelphia-born Marian Anderson was gorgeous as well as extremely talented. Throughout both Europe and the United States, Marian performed with renowned orchestras in major concert and recital venues where she sang both opera and spirituals.
Maude Adams
Maude Ewing Adams Kiskadden was born in 1974. The stunning actress first preformed in a Broadway show of Peter Pan!
Josephine Baker
Born in 1906, this American-born French dancer and singer symbolized the beauty and vitality of Black American culture. She captivated Harlem, Paris, and the world with her beauty, flapper spit curls, and rosebud lips.
