Lais

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-05 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-01-17

Historical Figure

Name of two famous Greek courtesans (hetaerae) from Corinth, 5th and 4th centuries BCE.

Marie's References

1874

• January 17: Compares "La Saxe" to Lais when describing her beauty at the theater, alongside Phryne.

Cultural Significance

• Lais of Corinth legendary for beauty and wit
• Charged enormous sums, gave freely to philosophers
• Symbol of female power through beauty and intelligence
• Common literary reference for exceptional courtesans

Marie's Usage

• Shows classical education and reading
• Part of her framework for understanding modern courtesans
• Links Nice demimonde to ancient Greek traditions
• Reveals sophisticated cultural references at age 15