Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Episode: Sex Work in the Renaissance
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Dr. Vanessa McCarthy, Fellow at the Center for Renaissance and Reformation Studies, University of Toronto
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Introduction to Renaissance Bologna's Sex Work
In this episode, host Kate Lister delves into the intricate world of sex work during the Renaissance period in Italy, with a particular focus on Bologna. Joined by Dr. Vanessa McCarthy, an expert in Renaissance history, they explore how sex work was not only prevalent but also legally regulated and economically significant.
Kate Lister opens the discussion by highlighting the visibility and legalization of sex work in 16th-century Bologna:
"[...] there was a thriving and very visible sex work community. Not to mention a legalized one."
(00:40)
Understanding the Renaissance Context
Dr. McCarthy provides a nuanced definition of the Renaissance, emphasizing its broad temporal span from 1450 to 1650 and its evolution into what many scholars now refer to as the "early modern" period. She explains that the Renaissance was characterized by a shift towards honoring individuals and fostering cultural creativity, moving away from the "dark ages" perception of the Middle Ages.
"The Renaissance brings up these ideas [...] people started to honor other people as people rather than as reflections of God."
(06:00)
Legal Framework and Regulation of Sex Work
A central theme of the episode is the legal regulation of sex work. Dr. McCarthy describes how Bologna implemented a system where sex workers were required to register and obtain licenses, a practice that lasted until Napoleon's invasion in 1796.
"Starting about the beginning of 1500, the city decides that sex workers should be registered and they should buy monthly licenses."
(22:00)
She elaborates on the dual nature of regulation—providing both control and economic benefits for the state:
"The state is making money off these women paying to live there, it's making money on women who want to leave the civic brothel."
(13:30)
Economic Implications and State Benefits
Kate and Dr. McCarthy discuss how regulated sex work was intertwined with the economy. Licenses were inexpensive, allowing many women to register without significant financial burden. Moreover, the state benefited from fines and licensing fees, creating a lucrative system.
"At one point, in 1604, there are roughly 600 women registered as sex workers in the city."
(26:19)
The economic model ensured that sex work was an integrated part of Bologna's service economy, contributing to both municipal revenues and the livelihoods of the workers.
Social Dynamics and Community Integration
Dr. McCarthy highlights that in Bologna, sex workers were not confined to specific zones but lived throughout the city. This dispersed presence suggests a level of social integration and community involvement rather than isolation or ostracization.
"They are living all over the city. They can live wherever they can afford to."
(23:37)
She notes that many sex workers maintained long-term residences on the same streets, indicating stable community relations and support networks.
Rights and Recourse for Sex Workers
One notable aspect of Bologna's system was the legal recourse available to sex workers. Licensed workers could sue clients for unpaid services, providing a measure of protection and agency.
"One of the biggest benefits that these women had under this system was that if clients did not pay them, they could take them to the tribunal and sue them for the money."
(28:17)
However, Dr. McCarthy acknowledges that while the system offered certain protections, it was still embedded within a patriarchal society, making outcomes highly dependent on various factors.
Courtesans vs. Working-Class Sex Workers
The conversation distinguishes between elite courtesans who enjoyed a high social status and working-class sex workers who were more integrated into everyday society. Courtesans like Veronica Franco were celebrated and influential, whereas the majority of sex workers were modestly positioned within their communities.
"Courtesans are so few. They are the exception which makes them so special."
(37:55)
Male Sex Work and Homosexuality
A significant portion of the discussion addresses male sex work and its regulation. Dr. McCarthy explains that legislation often aimed to curb homosexual activities among men by promoting regulated female sex work as a deterrent.
"In Florence, ... to stop men from having sex with other men, we need to have sex workers."
(20:37)
This reflects the societal norms and prejudices of the time, showing an attempt to control sexual behavior through regulatory measures.
End of the Regulated Era
The regulated system of sex work in Bologna persisted until the late 18th century when Napoleon's forces brought significant administrative changes. The introduction of modern police forces transitioned sex work out of civic regulation into criminalization.
"In my city, my office stops operating in 1796. When Napoleon comes in, he marches his troops through and he takes over the governing of northern Italy."
(46:13)
Dr. McCarthy emphasizes that while administrative frameworks changed, the underlying dynamics of sex work often remained consistent despite new regulations.
Conclusion: Legacy and Continuity
Kate Lister concludes by reflecting on the balance between visibility, regulation, and the lived experiences of sex workers in Renaissance Italy. The episode underscores the complexity of historical sex work systems, highlighting both their economic significance and the social structures that supported them.
"It's not necessarily about, we're just gonna try and keep people safe, is it?"
(17:24)
Notable Quotes
- Kate Lister (00:40): "There was a thriving and very visible sex work community. Not to mention a legalized one."
- Dr. Vanessa McCarthy (06:00): "People started to honor other people as people rather than as reflections of God."
- Kate Lister (13:30): "The state is making money off these women paying to live there, it's making money on women who want to leave the civic brothel."
- Dr. Vanessa McCarthy (28:17): "These women could take them to the tribunal and sue them for the money."
- Dr. Vanessa McCarthy (37:55): "Courtesans are so few. They are the exception which makes them so special."
- Dr. Vanessa McCarthy (46:13): "When Napoleon comes in, he marches his troops through and he takes over the governing of northern Italy."
For Further Information:
Dr. Vanessa McCarthy can be explored further through her published essays and articles online, or by visiting her at the University of Toronto’s Center for Renaissance and Reformation Studies.
Upcoming Episode:
The next installment in the mini-series will investigate beauty standards in Tudor times, exploring what made individuals considered "ugly" and the societal implications of these perceptions.
This summary captures the essence of the "Sex Work in the Renaissance" episode, highlighting the legal, economic, and social aspects of sex work in Renaissance Bologna as discussed by Kate Lister and Dr. Vanessa McCarthy.