Courtesans

Liane de Pougy lived countless lives. She was a charming courtesan turned princess—but the end of her life boasted the most shocking twist of all.

Veronica Franco was one of the most sought-after courtesans of the 1500s—but the higher she rose, the farther she had to fall.

When she was only a child, Sai Jinhua was sold into service… She had no clue that she’d become one of the most tragic courtesans in history.

Fierce Women Facts: It's said that when Mary, Queen of Scots was executed, her dog was found under her skirts, unwilling to leave her side.

Courtesans dabbled in just about everything from art to espionage. Pull back the bed curtains to these decadent facts from the history of courtesans.

Near the end of her life, La Paiva’s iconic beauty calcified into monstrosity—yet her death was even more horrific.