The courts of Turin and Milan were those that first and most nearly resembled the courts of France. During the whole first half of the eighteenth century of the court of Turin had the reputation of being one of the first schools of politeness and politics not only in Italy, but in all Europe. Young men of rank, who were destined to figure in the great world, were more frequently sent to Turin than to any other center of Elegance.

In the latter years of King Victor Amadeus the court of Turin was solitary and gloomy, rather than animated and agreeable. The jealous king was displeased if his servants and courtiers formed an intimacy with foreign ambassadors and other strangers. So much more free and uncontrolled were the ladies of Turin. Each lady had not only a professed lover, but also an agent or intermediate person to negotiate her love affairs.

At Milan also the alternate presence of Spanish, French, and German armies, and of other foreigners, had produced such a revolution in the genius of the inhabitants towards the middle of the century under discussion, that they allowed their women as great liberty as the fair sex enjoyed in France.

~*~

Reference: Woman: Her Position, Influence and Achievement Throughout the Civilized World. Designed and Arranged by William C. King. Published in 1900 by The King-Richardson Co. Copyright 1903 The King-Richardson Co.