Frine (Phryne)

Description:

Phryne was a 4th century BC famous Greek hetaira. Born Mnesarete, she was called Phryne (toad in Greek) because of her yellow, sallow complexion. From Thespiae in Boeotia, she was active in Athens, where she became one of the wealthiest women in Greece. Mistress to Praxiteles, he used Phryne as the model for the Aphrodite of Knidos. The statue became so widely known that it was said anecdotally that the goddess Aphrodite herself came to Knidos to see it.

She is best known for her trial for impiety, where she was defended by the orator Hypereides. Charged with blasphemy by her former lover Euthias, Phryne was acquitted after baring her breasts to the jury, according to legend.