[MR] Courtesans of Atlantia

[Helen Rogers]

Duchess Rachel (and others):

Thank you for your words.  As Logan is no longer in Atlantia, per your report, and not fully knowledgeable of who courtesans really were, I merely scanned his banter and did not take it in the tone of which he wrote.  I was remiss in failing to state primarily Italian and French women of the 14th-16th century (which I could have sworn I initially wrote, but none the less), primarily.  For those not knowledgeable, uninformed or simply biased against these remarkable ladies, who choose to dismiss them as "prostitutes" and "lower class " women, I would have to -unabashedly-say "shame on you" for being uneducated and narrow minded to think such of these women without taking the time to inform yourselves.  Considering MANY changed the course of government and history, I would be remiss if I did not direct these folks to the VOLUMES of books and university courses that detail the remarkable knowledge these women held (unlike the noble class and others of their time-who were, for the most part, unschooled and uneducated in literature, politics, and such).  

From the likes of Veronica Franco, Tullia d'Aragona, Theodora, and Diane de Poitiers- these women were highly intelligent, shrewd business women, and very influential in the matters of Kings, Doges and Popes and aided in changing the course of history.  The benefactors of these women were oft well respected.  Known not just for their beauty (and, yes, bedroom skills), their intelligence was something that was rarely matched by women of their time.  They were published poets and authors and oft stood in court with men defending social and legal rights.   There is a reason they were so highly regarded by the men of that time- and far above the physical, but of the mind.  Hence, why I chose to emulate and personify them.  For those who still choose to lower them beyond the station they were, then there is nothing more I can do then hope you will take the time to educate yourselves and put you misguided thoughts behind you (hmmm-I do believe I have represented these fine ladies accordingly, have I not?.....lol).

As for "flirting", do not most women flirt, oft to get what they want?  These women, however, wove their knowledge/intelligence into it.  As Veronica Franco's mother once quipped, "Desire begins with the mind".   And, I must say, I have seen flirtatious behavior (and less dress) by some in attendance at events that would make even a courtesan blush  *grin, wink*.    

Be it as it may, I'd be more embarrassed to pose an unresearched or unsupported comment than one that would argue their standing in society accordingly.  I have spent many years reading and researching these women (and well before my involvement in the SCA).  Personal opinions may be what they are, but history speaks for itself ;). 
Helen Rogers, Henna by Helen~Sent from Wireless BlackBerry