Born: 1 June 1741, United Kingdom
Died: 10 March 1767
Country most active: United Kingdom
Also known as: Catherine Maria Fischer
Prominent British courtesan. From her teen years, Fisher carefully developed her public image, which was added to by attention from artists like Sir Joshua Reynolds. By emphasizing Fisher’s beauty, audacity, and charm, portraits and newspaper and magazine articles promoted her reputation, prompting audiences to view her with redoubled awe. She was one of the world’s first celebrities famous not for being an actress, musician or royal, but simply for being famous. Her life exemplifies the emergence of mass media publishing and fame in an era when capitalism, commercialism, global markets, and rising emphasis on public opinion were changing England.