Meet The Real Women Behind Classic Pin Up Paintings

These days, we're no stranger to the world of Photoshopped models and airbrushed versions of the female form. But did you know that the concept of manipulating images of women isn't a new thing? In fact, it dates all the way back to the 1950's.

"Cheesecake" artist Gil Elvgren was a renowned painter of pin up girls, advertising and illustration during the Fifties. Today, he is regarded as one of the most important pin up and glamour artists of the 20th century. But what he should be regarded as is one of the first artists to introduce the world to the forefront of altering women's images to fit society's "ideals". Don't believe us? Take a look at these before and after's of his pin up models and decide for yourself.