Lives of The Courtesans: Portraits of the Renaissance
During the Renaissance courtesans became the personification of ancient love goddesses in art and literature, and, according to Lawner, it is difficult to separate the myth from the reality of their lives. They were also popular models for biblical heroines, but one must not assume that all beautiful women in Renaissance paintings were courtesans. Lawner spent 15 years researching this fascinating work, and it is a valuable addition to women's studies as well as Renaissance scholarship. The many illustrations are excellent. Regrettably, there are no text references to the illustrations, and much page turning is required to find where, or even if, the described image is represented. Eleanor Riley, Getty Conservation Inst. Lib., Marina del Rey, Cal.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.