Veronica Franco - the most famous woman of the Renaissance. This famous courtesan was famous for the fact that men dreamed not so much about her body as about the opportunity to chat with her, gain her attention in order to enjoy her company. The beauty and mind of this woman conquered in due time the French king Henry III. What attracted Veronica men to themselves? You will learn the secrets of her art of seduction by reading this article.
Courtesans: historical background
Who in ancient times were called courtesans? And what was their attitude towards the Renaissance? After all, the heroine of our story, Veronica Franco, hails from Venice, the city where the European Institute of Courtesans was formed and flourished.
According to the canons of this institute, among the courtesans there was a distribution of ranks. Courtesans of a higher rank belonged to the court and pious, those who were lower rank were considered akin to women of easy virtue. Each category of women had its own rules and regulations, each adhered to its own laws and norms of behavior.
The most famous courtesans could well give odds to the richest and most notable ladies; they had luxurious outfits, jewelry, their own living quarters.
In common people, courtesans called women who perfectly mastered not only the art of love, but also the art of flirting and seduction. They were smart, endowed with many talents, famous as interesting interlocutors.
Veronica was endowed with precisely such talents. Fate herself decreed that she became a courtesan, because her mother was also one of these women.
Veronica childhood and adolescence
Veronica Franco, whose biography is full of interesting facts, was born in the family of Francesco Franco and Paola Fracasse. The parents of the girl were members of a professional caste, whose members were religious brotherhoods or government bureaucracy. In addition to the girl, 3 more sons were raised in the family, free morals were instilled in all children.
The girl began to study science when a teacher came to her brothers' house. The girl was very inquisitive, so she attended classes organized by parents for them with interest.
According to archival data, Veronica Franco at 18, although for a short period, but still got married. Her first husband, Paolo Panizza, was a doctor by profession, but he could not keep his young wife. Being pregnant, taking all her dowry, the girl left him.
Veronica was the mother of six children, three of whom died as a child.
The fathers of her children who were famous were: Andrea Tron - an aristocrat from Venice, Giacomo di Baballi - a wealthy merchant.
Taking an example from her mother, Veronica became a courtesan.
High rank
The year 1565 was marked by the fact that Veronica was included in the list of the most basic and respected courtesans throughout Venice.
The girl was not even 20 years old, and she began to belong to the elite of women involved in this craft. This meant that she was an “honest courtesan,” a woman revered in her city.
She became a friend of the most distinguished and wealthy men of her time, led an open private life, lived for her pleasure.
Intrigues of the Inquisition
The young courtesan immediately began to enjoy great success with the male. Some men so desired her society that such behavior could not go unnoticed. Naturally, many noble ladies reacted painfully to the fact that their husbands preferred communication with Veronica, and not with them.
According to documents, in 1580 Veronica Franco was accused by the Inquisition of using witchcraft to seduce men. The woman was accused of bewitching the male part of the population, and this prevents them from fulfilling their state and conjugal duties.
At the trial, the young woman defended herself. Here Veronica proved that she is an honest courtesan. She gave a fervent speech and was able to convince the assessors of their innocence. All charges against her were dropped.
Veronica Franco and Marco Venier
In the 70s of the XVI century, a woman met a man who played a huge role in her life. He was well-known in Venice and far beyond literary adviser Marco Venier. This man supported literary talents not only among men, but also among women. He also owned one of the most famous Venetian literary salons, where lovers of poetry, music and fine art often gathered.
Salon entertainments consisted of reading poetry, singing, as well as small talk, during which useful contacts were made, love affairs began, and various gossip spread.
Veronica Franco, whose verses were very popular, also often performed here before the guests. In addition, the woman owned the game on a spinet and a lute, knew how to conduct small talk and be in the spotlight.
Venier favored Veronica's talent. He provided it financially, and once gave a huge collection of different books. Many intellectuals of Venice envied this gift.
Thanks to the support of Venier Veronica was included in the most prestigious literary societies of the city, was an active participant in various discussions with famous thinkers, artists, politicians and poets.
Veronica's men
The famous courtesan made friends with Bernardo Tasso, Celio Magno, Sperone Speroni. Her most famous lover was Henry III. Veronica loved the king whom she met in 1574 when he traveled on his way to France from Poland. The king learned about Veronica from one of the fathers of her children - Andrea Thron, who at the time of the trip was in his escort.
The meeting will usher in a warm relationship between the king and the courtesan. Veronica will give Henry his portrait, as well as dedicate 2 sonnets to him.
Poetic heritage
The works of Veronica Franco are included in the anthology of poetry. She released 2 poetry collections. The Renaissance poetess wrote erotic and frank poems, she sang the art of love, addressed poems to men she liked.
Her letters, more than 50 pieces, which were published in Venice, have survived to our time. Among the letters there are many stories and thoughts about life, comments on events, tips and opinions, as well as a message to Henry III. More than 20 letters are addressed to Tintoretto, the artist who painted her portraits.
last years of life
Information about the life of the famous courtesan after 1580 is very scarce.
Researchers at her life and work say she died in poverty. However, there are documents stating that although her situation was not as secure as in her younger years, she was not poor.
In the last years of her life, she stopped writing. She died at 45 years old, having been ill for about 20 days with a fever of unknown origin.