50 Fascinating Photos of La Belle Otero, a Beautiful Spanish Entertainer Who Conquered the World at the Turn of the Century

Agustina del Carmen Otero Iglesias (November 4, 1868 –  April 10, 1965), better known as Carolina Otero, became one of the most famous courtesans of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for her beauty, charm, and extravagant lifestyle, she was dubbed “La Belle Otero” and captivated some of the most powerful men of her time, including royalty, politicians, and artists.

Otero came from humble beginnings, growing up in poverty in Spain. She left home at a young age and began working as a dancer and singer, which eventually led her to Paris, where she quickly rose to fame. Paris at the time was the epicenter of culture, art, and high society, and Otero's beauty and talent made her a sensation. Her performances at venues like the Folies Bergère further solidified her status as a star.

As a courtesan, Otero was known for her many high-profile liaisons with influential men, including kings like Edward VII of the United Kingdom, King Leopold II of Belgium, and even the Russian Tsar Nicholas II. Her relationships were not just romantic but also strategic, allowing her to amass significant wealth and power. Otero was famous for her extravagant lifestyle, often seen adorned in luxurious clothes and expensive jewelry. She became a symbol of the Belle Époque, an era marked by cultural flourishing and opulence.

By the time World War I began, the world had changed, and the lifestyle that had made Otero famous started to fade. She retired from public life and lived the remainder of her years in relative obscurity. Despite her wealth, Otero squandered much of her fortune and died in 1965, living in modest circumstances in Nice, France.

Otero’s life is often seen as a reflection of the Belle Époque itself—glamorous, extravagant, and ultimately fleeting. She remains a fascinating figure, embodying the allure and the eventual decline of the courtesan’s world in European high society. Her story has inspired numerous books, films, and even operas, cementing her legacy as one of history's most famous courtesans.