La Vertu de La Païva

Inspired by the story of La Païva, the most famous French courtesan, who reigned as an extravagant hostess in her luxurious mansion in Paris.

Author François Ponsard once said: "Ainsi que la vertu, le vice a ses degrés", meaning "Like virtue, vice has its degrees".

A cunning, promiscuous woman who seduced men for their wealth and titles, La Païva was also a poor immigrant dreaming of a better life: intelligent and cultured, a patron of the Arts, and a savvy investor.