The Courtesan, or Look for the Woman in Everything

The story of courtesan Cloridia, Abbot Cristofano, the owner of the inn "At the Good Plate" Pellegrino, and maidservant Giani unfolds in late Renaissance Venice during the plague of the early 16th century in Italy. Courtesans – as well-paid companions – were then blamed as the source of the epidemic: God, it was said, had grown angry with them and punished everyone for their immorality.

Remarkably, how quickly men and women across all levels of society – politicians, church officials, nobility, clients of brothels, and wives and mistresses – embraced this explanation. Today it is clear that this was a scapegoat: unlike courtesans, most of the population was illiterate and incredibly superstitious.

Courtesans had access to libraries, participated in political negotiations and the signing of peace treaties. They spoke several languages, wrote poetry, sang, and played musical instruments. In many cases, it was they – Cherchez la Femme or Femme Fatale – who stood behind political agreements and negotiations. The story concerns a hidden document, a vial of poison, love, and betrayal.

Can one say that whoever digs a pit for another falls into it themselves?