Georges-Jules-Victor Clairin, Sarah Bernhardt Reclining on a Divan, Reading
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Muriel Butkin, 2009.118 · The Cleveland Museum of Art, Open Access (CC0)View original →
Georges-Jules-Victor Clairin

Sarah Bernhardt Reclining on a Divan, Reading

c. 1885–1890

Current Collection

Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Medium
Graphite with lead white heightening
Dimensions
24.3 × 38.8 cm
Status
In Museum Collection
Collect24 Art ID
C24-213836

Perhaps the most famous actress in the history of the theater, Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was one of the most magnetic personalities of her time and was known by her adoring fans as "the Divine Sarah." Jules Clairin was the favored portraitist of the actress, and depicted her in various roles in more than 100 paintings. In this intimate drawing, the international idol is depicted off stage, probably in her exotically decorated Parisian atelier that overflowed with lush palms, patterned carpets, fringed throws, and Asian bibelots. Quiet in her reverie, the reclining Bernhardt is supported by …

Provenance

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Muriel Butkin, 2009.118

Registry history

  • c. 1885–1890 — Recorded in the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art — drawings

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