Lais of Corinth (Holbein)

Lais of Corinth was a celebrated courtesan (hetaira) of ancient Greece, renowned for her beauty and wit. Several historical figures are believed to have existed by this name, leading to some conflation in accounts. The Lais most often referenced lived in Corinth during the Peloponnesian War. Stories surrounding her suggest she commanded high prices for her company and was known for her sophisticated interactions with prominent men.

Hans Holbein the Younger, a German-Swiss artist of the Renaissance, painted a portrait believed to depict a version of Lais of Corinth. This painting, and its subject, is more allegorical than a direct historical representation. Holbein's "Lais" is often interpreted as a memento mori, a reminder of mortality. The wealthy lifestyle and transient beauty symbolized by a famous courtesan like Lais are juxtaposed with the inevitable passage of time and the decay of physical attractiveness. Holbein's work emphasizes the vanity of earthly pleasures and the underlying theme of human fragility. The accoutrements and setting within the painting contribute to this message, rather than presenting a straightforward historical depiction of the actual ancient Lais. The painting is thus more of an artistic interpretation and moral lesson utilizing the idea of Lais of Corinth.