Intimate photos from a Century ago show New Orleans' most famous madams flashing their wealth and prostitutes posing semi-nude in decadent - and legal - bordellos. P hotographer E. Bellocq took dozens of portraits inside the brothels of Storyville, the only legalized red-light district in North America until it was shut down in Images show madams in their finest lace and fur, with several prostitutes completely nude or lounging about playing cards, reclining on pillows or just having a drink.
One of the most striking photos shows a lavish birthday party thrown for Josie Arlington, one of Storyville's most successful madams, who rose from poverty to own the town's most opulent brothel. Intimate photos from a Century ago show New Orleans' most famous madams flashing their wealth and prostitutes posing semi-nude in decadent and legal brothels.
Images show madams in their finest lace and fur and throwing lavish parties pictured , while prostitutes lounge completely nude. Pictured: Birthday celebration or Josie Arlington left in front row , one of Storyville's most successful madams. Establishments in Storyville ranged from cheap cribs to elegant mansions for well-heeled out-of-town customers, where musicians would serenade customers.
Pictured: A prostitute poses on a couch in Storyville was formed in as a legally sanctioned prostitution district and it became a lucrative source of income in the city. Establishments in Storyville ranged from cheap cribs to elegant mansions for well-heeled out-of-town customers, where musicians would play.
Louis Armstrong's mother worked in a bordello and jazz flourished in the district. Madams such as Lulu White and Josie Arlington both pictured became extremely wealthy through their high-end and respected brothels.
