When we think of Catherine the Great, the first things that come to mind are her political power, her love for art and literature, and her contributions to the modernization of Russia. However, there is another aspect of her life that has fascinated historians and the general public for centuries: her alleged kinky sex life and her rumored collection of X-rated furniture. In this article, we will explore the truth behind these scandalous rumors and their impact on Catherine's legacy.
The Legend of the Horse Chair
One of the most famous stories about Catherine the Great's sexual proclivities involves a piece of furniture known as the "horse chair." According to the legend, Catherine had a special chair designed with a hole in the seat that allowed her to engage in sexual activities with her lovers while pretending to ride a horse. This story has been circulating for centuries, but is it true?
The truth is that there is no concrete evidence that Catherine the Great ever owned or used a horse chair. The story seems to have originated from a satirical French pamphlet that was published in 1817, long after Catherine's death. However, the legend has persisted, and the horse chair has become a symbol of Catherine's alleged sexual excesses.
The Reality of Catherine's Sex Life
While the horse chair may be a myth, there is some truth to the rumors about Catherine's sex life. Catherine was known for her numerous affairs with men, both before and after she became Empress of Russia. She often chose younger lovers, and was rumored to have had sexual relationships with several of her courtiers and military officers.
However, it's important to remember that Catherine lived in a time and place where extramarital affairs were not uncommon among the aristocracy. Her sexual behavior was not considered scandalous at the time, and it was only after her death that rumors about her alleged "deviance" began to circulate.
The X-Rated Furniture Collection
Another aspect of Catherine's alleged sexual excesses is her rumored collection of X-rated furniture. According to some sources, Catherine had a special room in her palace filled with furniture that was designed to facilitate sexual activities. This furniture allegedly included chairs with phallic-shaped legs, a bed with a secret compartment for storing sex toys, and even a mechanical table that could raise and lower itself for different positions.
However, like the horse chair, there is no concrete evidence that Catherine ever owned or used X-rated furniture. Most of the stories about her collection seem to have been invented by later writers who were looking to sensationalize Catherine's life. It's possible that some of the furniture in question existed, but it's equally possible that it was a figment of someone's imagination.
The Impact on Catherine's Legacy
Despite the lack of evidence for many of the rumors about Catherine the Great's sex life, they have had a lasting impact on her legacy. For centuries, Catherine was portrayed as a depraved and immoral woman who used her power to indulge her sexual desires. This image was perpetuated by writers, artists, and filmmakers who were drawn to the scandalous aspects of her life.
Today, however, historians are re-evaluating Catherine's legacy and trying to separate fact from fiction. They are focusing on her political achievements, her cultural contributions, and her efforts to modernize Russia. While her sex life may have been interesting, it is not what defines her as a historical figure.
Conclusion
Catherine the Great is one of the most fascinating figures in Russian history, but much of what we think we know about her is based on rumors and legends. While it's possible that she did own X-rated furniture and engage in kinky sexual activities, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. Instead, we should focus on Catherine's real achievements and contributions to Russian culture and society.
