But, as Ms Neilson points out, in 16th-century Italy when courtesans and aristocrats often dressed alike noblewomen had also taken to favouring yellow.

ECONOMIST: Parmigianino at the Frick

The latter, Picasso's 1955 interpretation of Delacroix's paintings of four North African courtesans, was created in honor of the recently deceased Matisse.

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The most beautiful of cities, with the paint still wet on the late Bellinis and Titians, Venice also had wonderful music, geisha-like courtesans, and a life of endless, mostly free conversation.

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Inevitably the large but limited public funds disbursed to research institutes and universities would become bones of political contention, attracting courtesans, lobbyists, and consumers as only a large honeypot of dollars does.

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Antea's gold chain and the lush marten fur draped over one of her shoulders (an emblem of fertility) were equally symbolic, although Ms Neilson is careful to note that courtesans favoured such accessories too.

ECONOMIST: Parmigianino at the Frick

She and Ada had work to do: keep books, prepare the courtesans and greet their boys, watching each man admire the seesaw sway of a girl's rear as he followed her up the stairs.

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