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That Time Two Women Dueling Topless Meant Girl Power

By Kristy Puchko | Celebrity | May 21, 2015 |

By Kristy Puchko | Celebrity | May 21, 2015 |


Maybe when you think of duels, you think dapper gents with flouncy cuffs and sabers? Well, in 1892, a princess and a countess, feuding over flower arrangements, sparred with swords. And they did it topless. For their health. Seriously.

Check out this crazy but true tale below, H/T iO9:

While the reason for their duel seems pretty petty, the reason they took up their own swords was purely feminism before it was a word. Women used to employ a male champion to fight on their behalf, but public opinion on that practice was turning. So rose the “emancipated duel,” which meant women fighting for themselves, against each other. As for going topless, it’s reasoning was a bit ridiculous. But it does paint a pretty intense picture, one that would be captured in art for years to come.

Kristy Puchko hopes to bring you more topless moments in history.