On This Day in Herstory, January 17th 1861, Lola Montez, an Irish performer, courtesan, mistress of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, and probable inspiration for the character Irene Adler, died in Brooklyn, New York; she was 39 years old.
After her first divorce she needed to make a living, and so began performing as a professional dancer. At this time she began accepting favours from wealthy men and became regarded as a courtesan. In 1846 she arrived in Munich, where she was discovered by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, and almost immediately became his mistress. It was rumored that when they first Ludwig asked her if her bosom was real, and she responded by tearing off a few articles of clothing to prove that they were. After only a short time as mistress she began to use her influence on the King; but her influence partnered with her outbursts made her very unpopular with the people. However, despite this, Ludwig made her Countess of Landsfeld; with the title she also received a large salary. For over a year she exercise her political power, which she used in favour of liberalism against the conservatives and the very religious.