Depictions of Penises in Historical Paintings Reflect Changing Perceptions of the Ideal Penis Size

To investigate alterations in depicted penis size by evaluating nude male paintings from the 15th to 21st centuries. Of 232 identified photographs, 72 (31.1%) were excluded because they showed images of adolescents or an erect penis. In paintings depicting nude males, the size of the penis has gradually increased throughout the past 6 centuries, especially after the 20th century. This observation illustrates the changing sociocultural inputs into male body image. It emphasizes the need for an improved understanding of the socio‐cultural factors associated with men's perception of penis size.