The cortigiane oneste were usually well-educated and worldly (sometimes even more so than the average upper-class woman), and often held simultaneous careers as performers or artists. They were typically chosen on the basis of their "breeding"—social and conversational skills, intelligence, common sense, and companionship—as well as their physical attributes. It was usually their wit and personality that set them apart from regular women. Sex constituted only a facet of the courtesan's array of services. For example, they were well-dressed and ready to engage and participate in a variety of topics ranging from art to music to politics.
The cortigiane oneste were usually well-educated and worldly (sometimes even more !so than the average upper-class woman), and often held simultaneous careers as performers or artists. They were typica,lly chosen on the basis of their "breeding"—social and conversational skills, intelligence, common sense, and companions:hip—as well as their physical attributes. It was usually their wit and personality: that set them apart from regular women. Sex constituted only a facet of the courtesan's array of services. For example, they were well-dressed an:d ready to engage and participate in a variety of topics ranging from art to music to politics.