Prostitution  

From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia

In 1877, French artist Édouard Manet exhibited "Nana", a life-size portrayal of a courtesan in undergarments, standing before her fully clothed gentleman caller. The model for it was the popular courtesan Henriette Hauser.

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porne, prostitute

Prostitution describes the act of sexual intercourse in exchange for money. However, its definition may be extended loosely to include any sexual act for any type of remuneration; depending on the location where the act occurs. In different regions around the world, the legal status of prostitution varies from punishable by the death penalty to complete legality. A woman who engages in sexual intercourse with only one man for support is a mistress. A male who engages in sexual intercourse with only one woman for support is called an escort.

The term is used, loosely, to indicate someone who engages in sexual acts that are disapproved; whether acts outside of marriage, or as a means to an affluent life style or the social status associated with the customer. Cultural usage varies widely, and the use of the term as a pejorative indicates acts that are not formally considered prostitution in a cultural context.

See also

• Sacred prostitution
• History of prostitution
• Courtesan
• Prostitution in art and literature
  • Hooker with a heart of gold
• Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies
• Whore dialogue