Concluding Remarks

Throughout the exhibit, one finds that 19th century lorettes and 21st century escorts have many commonalities. However what matters is their differences, which illuminates changing attitudes towards sexwork and female sexual empowerment.

In 19th century literary works, such as Scenes of a Bohemian Life, A Sentimental Education, and Nana, lorettes were seen as destructive, manipulative, childish and materialistic women who not only degraded their male clients, but also sought a higher social status in society. This presented an existential threat to the entrenched social order, which is why the historical origins and literary perspectives of the lorette were so hateful. In 21st century media representations, escorts have autonomy over their own story, often acting as the narrator or independent, sympathetic main character. Rather than being dependent on a man for everything, an escort is a savvy business woman capable of making rational decisions. Although they are still objectified by their clients, they are able to express their opinions about them. 

While the lorettes were seen through the eyes of the men who both desired them and feared them, the tables are turned with the escort, who has the power to turn her gaze right back on her clients.