Phryne

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

Historical Figure

Famous Greek courtesan (hetaera) of 4th century BCE Athens, model for Praxiteles.

Marie's References

1874

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

1875

• March 1875 (030.0143): Marie compares her own figure, seen in the bathroom mirror, with «Phryné de l'Exposition universelle de Vienne», a statue she saw at the 1873 Weltausstellung. That is probably Francesco Barzaghi's marble Phryne (Milan), photographed at the exhibition (MAK Vienna photograph «Skulptur der Phryne», inscribed «Phryne von Franz Ritter v. Barzaghi») (0.7), not James Pradier's Phryné (Salon of 1845, London 1851). The exhibition catalogue has not been checked.

Cultural Significance

• Symbol of beauty and courtesanship in classical world
• Famous for trial where she bared her breasts to win acquittal
• Model for Aphrodite of Knidos sculpture
• Represents power through beauty in Marie's imagination

Literary Context

• Common reference in 19th century literature
• Part of Marie's classical education
• Shows her scholarly approach to understanding courtesans
• Links modern demimonde to ancient traditions