Seductive Facts About The Secret Lives Of Courtesans
Courtesans occupy a scandalous yet challenging space in world history. Were they all just beautiful women, draped on pillows all day and waiting for their rich and powerful suitors?
Or were they active and powerful political players in their own right? In truth, courtesans dabbled in just about everything from the fine arts to espionage. Pull back the bed curtains to these 42 decadent facts from the history of courtesans.
Facts About The Secret Lives Of Courtesans
1. Death and Taxes
In Renaissance Italy, courtesans were registered, regulated, and taxed by the city states as if they were any other profession.
2. A Class of Her Own
Our understanding of the historic “courtesan” is heavily informed by Renaissance Italy. In this system, courtesans were separated into two classes. On top was the “higher” rank of “cortigiane oneste,” or “honest courtesans.” These women were trained in the arts of music, writing, and being generally witty upon the arm of wealthy elites. Unfortunately, not every courtesan led such a charmed a life…
3. Last Isn’t a Blast
In Renaissance Italy, the lower-ranked courtesans were referred to as “cortigiana di lume.” These ladies were generally untrained in the “intellectual” arts and could not afford to be as discriminant in their choice of clientele.
