Women who ruled Paris from bed: a scandalous catalog with Parisian courtesans of the XIX century

In the 19th century, prostitution was legal in France. For the convenience of customers, each district of Paris published a booklet listing courtesans with photos, price, special skills and origin.

In 1804, Napoleon became emperor and ordered to register all the workers of the sexual front of the country and conduct a medical examination. Five years later, 180 brothels were officially operating in Paris alone. By law, the institution had to be run by a woman, most often she turned out to be a former prostitute. The facade of the establishment had to look as inconspicuous as possible - modest and restrained.

But let's go back to the XIX century, when corrupt love flourished. These photos were taken from the catalog of The Pretty Women of Paris in 1883, which lists the most famous prostitutes and courtesans of their time. Among their lovers were princes, princes, famous actors and even the future king of Great Britain. It was said about these famous priestesses of love that they ruled Paris from bed.

The catalog was released in 1883 in 169 copies and was intended for wealthy Britons who came to France.

Leontine Massin was one of the most famous prostitutes in France, among whose clients was even Edward VII, at that time the future king of England. Her description said: "Short, plump, with beautiful blue eyes, blonde hair and soft lips, which she always bites and licks with a pink tongue."

Louise Valtess — "does not refuse any man, takes everything she can get... Valtess is one of the most beautiful and intelligent whores of our time." Among other things, Valtess was a writer and an actress. She earned a fortune that today can be estimated at three million dollars.

Alice Loady could be found on Edinburgh Street. Alice was an extremely gifted actress and, at the insistence of her parents, began acting on stage at the age of 18. The description of the catalog says about her: "Lovers pursued her like rabid dogs, and soon she began to prefer aging suitors and libertines, but with full wallets. He will do anything you ask for money."

Delphine Delizy - "38 years old, but we declare with all responsibility that she is still an extremely appetizing person. And there's nothing in the Cupid's Entertainment catalog that she doesn't know how to do."

Leonide Leblanc, Rue D'offemont. "It is difficult to properly evaluate such a famous courtesan. She has charmed entire generations, and every self-respecting rake has spent at least one night in her bed."

Marguerite Baretti, Fish Suburb Street (Du Faubourg Poissonniere), 46. "A tall, dark-haired, elegant girl, a charming smile, a beautiful nose and an elegant chin with a tiny dimple. Her main patron and lover is a young banker who is too sensible to be jealous. And if the client has a good voice, then he should immediately join the charming duet of Margarita and her sister."

Ellen Andree, also from the Palais Royal Theatre. "She has many lovers, has a penchant for people of art. Doesn't like to wear a lot of clothes."

Julia de Julia de Clery, Place du Havre, 16. "She was a member of the society of "Gay Women— - an association of lesbians, mostly Parisian actresses, who gathered every month for dinner without men and spent the night together."

The cover of the catalog.