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