[Urlik]

I think the short passage where Jubal weeps when he is given the statue of the Fallen Caryatid gives a much clearer insight into RAH's true feelings about the beauty of women in general.
there is also the episode in TEFL when Lazarus talks about how he was "healed" and that it was the company of a woman who was old, looked old and had a beautiful personality. it was her relaxing and comfortable company that healed him, and if anything, youthful beauty would have been a hinderance.