The dominatrix is one of the most recognizable symbols in the BDSM world. But where did these powerful women come from? Let’s take a look at the history of the dominatrix.
What Does a Dominatrix Look Like to You?
Dressed in leather, wielding a whip, and ready to take no nonsense, the dominatrix has become a cultural icon. But how long have these awe-inspiring women been punishing their subordinates? It isn’t always easy to tell. Historical records often remain silent on topics of sexuality. However, the role seems as old as modern society—perhaps even older.
The idea of punishment and being punished for sexual pleasure appears in some of the earliest civilizations. For example, the ancient Etruscan Tomb of the Whipping depicts a scene of a woman being whipped in a threesome. Similar figures to the modern dominatrix also appear in ancient art. In Pompeii’s Villa of the Mysteries, a goddess is shown holding a whip. Some archaeologists believe whipping, sensory deprivation, and stress positions might have been part of religious rituals. These sensations could create an altered state of consciousness, opening the mind to the divine.
Are these mythical figures the ancestors of the modern dominatrix? According to leading dominatrix scholar Anne O. Nomis, they absolutely are. In her book The History & Arts of the Dominatrix, Nomis explores the connection—tracing parallels from corporal punishment to worship and gender play.
The History of the Dominatrix
Of course, there’s much about ancient sexuality we still don’t know. In fact, we often have to make educated guesses about people's sexual beliefs and behaviors throughout history. As we move closer to modern times, we get a slightly clearer picture. After the invention of the printing press, a genre of erotic literature emerged. If one conclusion can be drawn from these early pornographic works, it’s that our ancestors were deeply fascinated by dominant women.
Take Fashionable Lectures, for example. Printed in 18th-century England, the book is all about whipping, especially by women in positions of authority. It praises the "beautiful ladies" who play the roles of "mothers, stepmothers, governesses, maids, mistresses, and housekeepers." Among these ladies are figures like “Mother Birch,” likely a pseudonym, and “Sally Harris,” a rather mundane alias (no offense to any real Sally Harrises).
Indeed, 18th- and 19th-century England seemed to be filled with people longing to be dominated and whipped by women—perhaps one reason it became known as the "English vice." John Cleland’s 1748 novel Fanny Hill features several famous whipping scenes. Not only does Fanny whip clients, but we clearly see her dominate them, even if not expertly.
“He bent over and unfastened his garters, which I used to bind him... I guess this wasn’t necessary, just part of the humor of the thing, as in other ceremonies he prescribed for himself... Then I led him to the bench and, as I indicated, forced him to lie down: after a little reluctance, in form only, he obeyed...”
Whippings performed by sex workers seemed common enough—at least, that’s how contemporary artists and writers tended to depict it. Look at Hogarth’s A Harlot’s Progress, and you’ll see a cane hanging on the wall. More was not specialized for whipping; it was simply understood as part of sex.
Looking for Professional Whippers?
There were also specialists in whipping, some of whom became quite famous by the 19th century. One of the most notable was Theresa Berkley, the inventor (or at least the namesake) of the "Berkley Horse." This enterprising woman ran one of London’s most renowned brothels and supposedly had an extensive collection of whipping tools. Not only could Berkley wield the finest instruments, but she was also reportedly one of them herself. Paying customers could have Berkley whip them or whip her.
Respected Women Were Kinky, Too
When we read the history of dominatrices, we usually read about sex workers. But this doesn’t mean women of the time weren’t whipping their partners for fun. Erotic literature heavily features sex workers—in fact, “pornography” literally means “writings about prostitutes.” Proper women weren’t supposed to do such things, let alone enjoy them.
But what respectable women were supposed to do and what they actually did weren’t always the same thing. The issue is that writing about private life (at least published writing) is rare. The literary convention of the sexy whipping brothel might reflect more fantasy than reality. Still, we know more about these than we do about what women enjoyed in their personal lives. To a large extent, bedroom doors remain closed to us throughout many eras.
These historical women are the ancestors of today's dominatrices, even if they might not have seen themselves that way. Modern BDSM culture owes much to the post-war sexual revolution. But some of it has deeper roots, as the pioneers of these communities looked to dominatrix history for inspiration. After all, who doesn’t like to think that what excites them has roots in humanity’s oldest spiritual beliefs?