Claim to Fame:
Phryne was one of the two most famous courtesans in Ancient Greece before the Hellenistic period. She made contributions to the sanctuary to Apollo at Delphi. Phryne was the mistress of the sculptor Praxiteles. Phryne is thought to have modeled for Praxiteles' Aphrodite of Knidos statue. She was renowned for her beauty.
Dates:
Fourth Century B.C.
Location:
Phryne was born in Thespiae, Boeotia, and lived in ancient Athens.
Sources:
Athenaeus (13. 591b) Pausanias (10.15.1)
Occupation:
Courtesan, prostitute, or hetaira.
