Anna Hebrea [1] also known as Anna the Hebrew or Anna of Rome (fl. 1508) was an Italian-Jewish beautician and cosmetician. [2] [3] She is one of the earliest businesswomen of her profession to be documented.
Anna Hebrea [1] also known as Anna the Hebrew or Anna of Rome (fl. 1508) was an Italian-Jewish beautician and cosmetician. [2] [3] She is one of the earliest businesswomen of her profession to be documented.
She was established in Rome and evidently successful in her business and well known, as she received orders from outside from Rome. In the Middle Ages, the business of cosmetics was lucrative but had a bad reputation. It was often practiced by Jewish women, as women were traditionally associated with ointments.
She is known for the business letter she sent from Rome to her client Caterina Sforza in Florence on 15 March 1508, which is a valuable and perhaps unique document for a contemporary woman of her profession. [4] In the letter she described her products, their prices and the instructions for their use.
An excerpt of the letter reads:
Caterine Sforza resided in Florence at the time, and Anna thus appear to be famed outside of Rome.
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