You don't need to read much ancient literature to know that beards have always been associated with manliness. Going out on a limb here, but my guess is that's

You don't need to read much ancient literature to know that beards have always been associated with manliness. Going out on a limb here, but my guess is that's because typically only adult men can grow them. Shocking I know. Anyway, it's not particular to the Renaissance at all.