The History of Cuckolding: From Medieval Engravings to Modern Culture

Cuckolding is one of the most intriguing and long-standing sexual fantasies. While today it’s often seen as an erotic kink, its roots go deep into history, appearing in medieval literature, Renaissance satire, and even ancient mythology.

At La Cortigiana, we embrace this rich history through our jewelry and accessories. Our bracelets and pendants aren’t just symbols—they are part of a long tradition of desire, power, and sexual expression. So, let’s take a journey through time and explore how cuckolding evolved from shame to pleasure.

Why “Cuckold”? The Meaning Behind the Horns

The term cuckold comes from the Old French cucuault, which is derived from coucou—meaning “cuckoo.” Cuckoo birds are infamous for laying their eggs in other birds’ nests, tricking them into raising their offspring. By the Middle Ages, the word was used to describe men whose wives were suspected of cheating.

But what about the horns? The connection between cuckolding and horns dates back to ancient Rome. Victorious soldiers were sometimes awarded horns as a sign of honor, but while they were away at war, their wives often found lovers. Over time, the image of a horned man became a symbol of infidelity and humiliation.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, cuckolded men were often the butt of jokes in literature and theater. Plays and poems mocked them as clueless husbands who were the last to know about their wives’ affairs.

From Shame to Desire: When Did Cuckolding Become Erotic?

The idea of cuckolding as a kink started to emerge during the Renaissance. What was once purely a source of ridicule began to take on a different meaning. Writers and artists started exploring it not just as a joke, but as a power dynamic and even a source of excitement.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, cuckolding appeared in erotic literature, often as part of themes of submission and voyeurism. The Marquis de Sade, for example, included cuckolding in his stories not as an insult, but as a deliberate and thrilling game of power and control.

Le Cocu Magnifique (1921) by Fernand Crommelynck is a fascinating early exploration of cuckolding as more than just a source of humiliation. The play tells the story of Bruno, a devoted husband who becomes obsessed with the idea that his wife is unfaithful. Instead of resisting this thought, he embraces it, turning his jealousy into a kind of twisted pleasure. What makes this work remarkable is its psychological depth—Crommelynck doesn’t just mock the cuckolded man, but portrays his emotions as complex, contradictory, and even ecstatic. This was one of the first artistic works to depict cuckolding as something beyond ridicule, foreshadowing its evolution into a consensual and erotic fantasy in modern culture.

The 20th Century and Porn: How Cuckolding Became Mainstream

In the 20th century, cuckolding started appearing in underground erotica, but it wasn’t until the rise of modern pornography that it became a mainstream fantasy. In the 1990s, cuckold porn became one of the most searched-for genres, particularly in the U.S.

Unlike earlier depictions of cuckolding as humiliation, modern cuckold fantasies often involve power exchange, consensual exploration, and role-playing. Some men enjoy the submissive aspect of watching their partners with others, while others get pleasure from the idea of their wife or girlfriend being desired by other men.

Today, cuckolding isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a recognized subculture with its own aesthetics, symbols, and dynamics. Horns, locks, keys, and symbolic jewelry are no longer marks of shame but signals of sexual freedom and empowerment.

At La Cortigiana, we design accessories that reflect this transformation. Our pieces aren’t just inspired by history—they are a celebration of personal choice and erotic exploration.