Women Who Ruled Paris from Their Beds: A Scandalous Catalog of 19th-Century Parisian Courtesans (19 photos)

In the 19th century, prostitution was legal in France. For the convenience of clients, each arrondissement of Paris published a booklet listing courtesans with photographs, prices, special skills, and origins.

In 1804, Napoleon became emperor and ordered the registration of all female sex workers in the country and their medical examinations. Five years later, 180 brothels were officially operating in Paris alone. By law, the establishment had to be managed by a woman, most often a former prostitute. The establishment's façade was to be as discreet as possible—modest and discreet.





But let's return to the 19th century, when prostitution flourished. These photographs were taken from the 1883 catalog "The Pretty Women of Paris," which listed the most famous prostitutes and courtesans of the time. Their lovers included princes, princes, famous actors, and even the future King of England. These famous prostitutes were said to have ruled Paris from their beds.

The catalog was published in 1883 in 169 copies and was intended for wealthy British visitors to France.



Leontine Massin was one of France's most famous prostitutes, whose clients even included Edward VII, the future King of England at the time. Her description read: "Small in stature, plump, with beautiful blue eyes, fair hair, and soft lips, which she always bites and licks with her pink tongue."





Louise Valtesse — "she refuses no man, takes everything she can get... Valtesse is one of the most beautiful and intelligent whores of our time." Valtesse was also a writer and actress. She amassed a fortune that today would be valued at three million dollars.



Cora Pearl was a Parisian demi-monde of English descent. A catalogue declared: "She was once served naked on a platter, sprinkled with parsley. The platter was carried by four men." Cora dressed extravagantly, with the intention of provoking and shocking, and dyed her hair bold colors.





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





Jeanne Aladi, whose "base tastes, rooted in her early education, will surprise those who have long been jaded."



Delphine Delizy — "She's 38 years old, but we can assure you she's still an extremely appetizing woman. And there's nothing in the 'Cupid's Entertainments' catalog she can't do."



Leonide Leblanc, rue d'Offemont. "It's difficult to properly appreciate such a famous courtesan. She charmed entire generations, and every self-respecting rake spent at least one night in her bed."





Marguerite Baretti, 46 Rue du Faubourg Poissonniere. "A tall, dark-haired, elegant girl with a charming smile, a beautiful nose, and a graceful 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 decent voice, he should immediately join in Marguerite's delightful duet with her sister."





Alice Marot, 4 rue Marignane. "A cheerful and beautiful courtesan who was very lucky in her time. After hopeless wanderings through provincial theaters, she came to Paris, and soon the actors of the Palais Royal Theater added to her list of lovers."





Ellen Andree, also of the Palais-Royal. "She has many lovers and is partial to artists. She doesn't like to wear a lot of clothes."





Julia de Clery, 16 Place du Havre. "She belonged to the 'Merry Women'—an association of lesbians, mostly Parisian actresses, who met monthly for a dinner without men and spent the night together."



Catalog cover.