Rubenesque

[ roo-buh-nesk ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the painter Peter Paul Rubens or his works, which feature full-figured women.
2. (of a woman's figure) plump but shapely; curvaceous.

Rubenesque

/ ˌruːbəˌnɛsk /

adjective

1. (of a woman) having the physique associated with Rubens' portraits of women; plump and attractive

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rubenesque¹

1815–20; Ruben(s) ( def ) + -esque ( def ); the 's' is almost always dropped because Rubensesque is hard to pronounce

Example Sentences

His 2002 book “Paris + Klein” — showing Rubenesque women in a Turkish bath, African-born protesters demanding their rights, Chinese New Year celebrations — spurned the romanticized vision of the City of Lights.

From Washington Post

The Economist article’s depiction of men “shutting women up at home” to keep them “Rubenesque” touched a nerve.

From Seattle Times

Bulked up with spawn eggs, they have transformed from summer slim to a possible world record Rubenesque.

From Los Angeles Times

Quince is ginkgo-leaf yellow when ripe, and the pome is sensual to the eye and in hand — all Rubenesque curves and dimples.

From Washington Post

The 19-year-old performer deigned to share images of her cellphone’s lock screen and a drawing she was proud of, the latter of which featured serpentine bondage as well as bare breasts and backsides of the Rubenesque variety.

From Los Angeles Times