Cora Pearl, English courtesan in France

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Cora Pearl, English courtesan in France

Cora Pearl (Eliza Emma Crouch, 1836-1886), English courtesan in France. Date: circa 1860s

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Media ID 32260010

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Cora Courtesan Crinoline Crouch Demi Dressing Eliza Emma Maid Monde Neckline Pearl 1860s Demimonde

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EDITORS COMMENTS
Cora Pearl, born Eliza Emma Crouch in England in 1836, rose to prominence as a courtesan in Paris during the late 1850s and 1860s. Known for her captivating beauty and charisma, Cora became a prominent figure in the French demimonde, or the social underworld of high-class prostitution and hedonistic pleasures. This striking image captures Cora in an elegant evening gown, adorned with intricate beadwork and a low-cut neckline that showcased her famous pearl necklace, a gift from her lover, the Prince of Wales. The crinoline skirt of her dress adds volume and elegance, while her maid assists her in the dressing process. Cora's hair is styled in an elaborate updo, with tendrils cascading down her shoulders. The demimonde, or 'demi-monde,' was a world of glamour and excess, where wealth and status were flaunted and social norms were often disregarded. Cora Pearl was one of the most famous courtesans of her time, and her reputation as a witty and intelligent woman only added to her allure. She was known for her sharp wit and her ability to charm men of high society, including politicians, aristocrats, and royalty. Despite her scandalous reputation, Cora Pearl was also known for her generosity and her charitable works. She used her wealth and influence to help those in need, and was even rumored to have provided financial support to the impoverished families of some of her former lovers. This photograph captures a moment in the life of a woman who defied the conventions of her time and lived her life on her own terms, leaving a lasting legacy as a symbol of the decadence and excess of the French Empire.

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