/Daily Fix

Phryne was a Greek courtesan, famous for her beauty and extraordinary wealth.  When Alexander the Great destroyed the walls of Thebes, she offered to have them rebuilt, on the condition that the new walls were inscribed with a commemorative note.  Her offer was refused.

When she was accused of denouncing ancient rites and sent to trial, the orator Hypereides, one of her lovers, came to her defense.  When general opinion remained negative, Hypereides removed her robe and exposed her bare body, depicted here by Gerôme.  The judges were so moved by her physical perfection that Phryne was acquitted of her crime.  

Gerôme painted the scene in a highly polished academic style, which softens the erotic charge. Still, in spite of the elevated style Gerôme employed, the painting was received with shock and scandal.