Prostitution in the Italian Renaissance was an accepted part of city life, run by a separate economy and regulated by authorities. Prostitutes licenses were made available to married women who would otherwise be confined to household work. These licenses allowed independent women to enter into contracts for their services. By 1500 Florence, Italy boasted 677 such workers; Milan recorded over 1,000. During this period Prostitution was not considered to be shameful or derogatory.
Prostitutes were well dressed and educated, many sought-after courtesans became famous for their poetry or musical talents. Prostitutes patronized artists and contributed to the rise of some of Italy’s greatest works of literature and art. The first recorded Prostitute in Florence is named as one Demea (sometimes referred to as “Lupa”), who came from the Peloponnese, Greece about 300 BCE; she had come with Archidamo after his victory over the Lacedemonians at Mantineia.
Prostitution is the business or practice of engaging in sexual relations, especially for money. Prostitutes are often known as sex workers. Although most countries define Prostitution as a form of Trafficking, Prostitution is not illegal in many parts of the world (ex: United States). Prostitution has been documented since ancient times and was widely practiced throughout history .
It was not only acceptable but considered necessary to ensure that men were satisfied and able to focus on their work; therefore Prostitution was viewed as a means of protecting women and not exploiting them and it wasn’t seen as morally wrong (Fortunati & Fortunati 52). The Italians were no exception to this idea. They have historically been Prostitution friendly and Prostitution was regulated in Italy since the 1400s. What is a courtesan?
A courtesan is a Prostitute who has risen to such fame or notoriety that she receives gifts and “presents” from her lovers, earning her the name of “Lady”. Prostitutes were oftentimes seen as independent women, able to take care of themselves. However, Prostitution was condemned by most societies and Prostitutes were often viewed as corrupting. Courtesans are different from other Prostitutes for their social class separates them from the rest whereas Prostitutes are generally viewed as lower class citizens not worthy of respect.
The Italian Renaissance (15th-16th century) was a time of advancement for many social classes, but none more so than women. Women began to show off their physical beauty and talent through the arts of dance, singing, and poetry. Women often used these talents to attract high profile lovers—courtesans (women courtiers)—who could provide education, financial security, and eventually marriage. These “Ladies of Leisure” were known as courtesans because they acted as companions to nobility who attended courts in different cities around Europe.
The social status of courtesans is debated among historians; some argue that prostitutes were common during this time period while others believe they were treated with respect due to their noble clients. Women could also gain status by becoming educated in theatres, libraries, and convents. Women who chose to live independently were able to attend university lectures given exclusively to women. Italian Renaissance The Italian Renaissance started in the 14th century and lasted until the mid-16th century.
It was characterized by major changes in art, literature, philosophy, politics, science, religion, and society. The rise of powerful city-states like Florence dramatically changed culture as people began to value individualism rather than medieval traditions like chivalry (an idealized code of behavior for knights or gentlemen). Women were treated with more respect during this time period due to their growing place in political affairs; they even received special rights within marriages that allowed them not to be forced into sexual relations against their will.
Women became more involved in society as a whole, and they were able to decide who they would marry based on love rather than social status. Women’s fashion even began to change at this time as garments took on a simpler, more natural look with less focus on emphasis of bodily features like breasts or hips. In “The Courtesan’s Arts”, author Margaret F. Rosenthal argues that the rise of courtesans contributed to the liberation of women during the Italian Renaissance.
Women were seen as objects during this time period due to their lack of value outside marriage while men were always treated with respect regardless of their financial standing or family connections. Women who chose this lifestyle not only had greater freedom compared to those who married, but also had the opportunity to find a lover regardless of their status. Women increased their “sexual capital” by gaining wealth and influence through relationships with other nobles.
Women like Tullia d’Aragona and Veronica Franco became well-known and respected despite their scandalous behavior (Franco was twice exiled due to her pornography). The courts where courtesans attended were frequented by writers and musicians as these women often acted as patrons for many artists; this led to greater artistic production during the Italian Renaissance as patrons commissioned paintings or commissioned poets to recite poetry at their gatherings.
Rosenthal argues that the rise of independent women contributed not only to society’s view on female sexuality, but also contributed to fashion trends as wealthy noblewomen dressed in the same manner as courtesans. Women who were not wealthy enough to dress in the latest fashions took on this look through accessories like masks and fans, which became popular at this time period. Author Laura Gowing claims that prostitutes were common during the Italian Renaissance because women had no political or financial power.
Women had few options if they wanted to survive without family connections; prostitution was one of the only employment opportunities available for them. Women who chose to prostitute themselves worked in brothels rather than noble courts due to their lack of class status. Women’s lack of independence also contributed to their willingness to prostitute themselves; they needed financial resources so they could manage their own lives without depending on men for support (they often did not receive money from their families).
Women who did not work as prostitutes often became courtesans due to lack of financial opportunities; courtesans could be employed by wealthy patrons and given gifts such as clothing, jewels, or expensive furniture. Women dressed like noblewomen even if they were not of high status because they wanted to gain the respect given to them; refusing to dress in a certain way would have been “an admission that she lacked the social standing or connections” needed for this lifestyle.
Author Annette Kobak claims that noblewomen dressing in the same manner as courtesans diminished the distinction between these two groups as class distinctions blurred during this time period. Women with greater social mobility gained more power as they received access to education and increased their participation in politics and other aspects of society. Women still had lower status than men regardless of their financial standing, and they were expected to depend on a patron’s generosity if they wanted to survive without marrying.
Women who refused to wear the latest fashions or attend courtesans’ gatherings were viewed as outcasts by society. In “Gender, Politics, and Theology In Renaissance Italy”, author Diana Robin claims that women began entering male-dominated professions during the Italian Renaissance due to greater economic opportunities outside of marriage. Women contributed roughly half of all tax revenue in some cities because few citizens claimed a wife’s property when she died; this allowed women to inherit money from their parents or previously-wealthy relatives.
