In Rubens' day, the rich set the standards. The poor did what the rich did not want to do : worked hard, mostly outdoors, and far from always had enough to eat. So muscled, tanned and emaciated was plebeian. Soft, white and plump was proof positive that you were well off. Nowadays, the middle class sets the standard. Difference is that now WE do what we don't like : work inside, get more food than exercise, and only see the sun when we leave the office. So muscled, tanned and fashionably emaciated is proof positive that you are well off. Funny, ain't it ;o)