Marie Duplessis (born Alphonsine Rose Plessis; 15 January 1824 – 3 February 1847[1]) was a French courtesan and mistress to a number of prominent and wealthy men.

[2] She was the inspiration for Marguerite Gautier, the main character of the 1848 novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas the younger, one of Duplessis's lovers.

[4] As recorded in art of the day[5] Marie Duplessis was evidently an extremely attractive young woman, with a petite figure and an enchanting smile.

She became a courtesan and learned to read and write, and to stay abreast of world events so as to be able to converse on these topics with her clients and at social functions.

[7] Duplessis was both a popular courtesan and the hostess of a salon, where politicians, writers, and artists gathered for stimulating conversation and socializing.