Sarah Bernhardt
1898
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captures the legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt in a moment of dramatic intensity, her wild curls framing a face tilted toward the heavens. This expressive sketch likely depicts her in character, showcasing the theatrical flair that made her the most famous actress of late 19th-century Paris. Lautrec was a huge admirer of Bernhardt and designed several iconic posters for her productions, cementing her status as a superstar. Despite their close friendship and professional collaboration, their relationship was famously complicated by her strong disapproval of his heavy drinking and bohemian lifestyle.
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