Sarah Bernhardt began life in Paris in 1844 as Henriette Rosine Bernard, the eldest daughter of Dutch-French parents. At thirteen she entered the Conservatoire and proved herself talented by winning prizes in comedy and tragedy. Her first stage role was in 1862 in a French comedy. She continued to perform and learn her craft and in 1867 she became a member of the company at the Odeon. She appeared successfully as Cordelia in Shakespeare's, King Lear.

She was soon in demand in Europe and the United States. She developed a reputation as a serious dramatic actress, earning the nickname "The Divine Sarah." She was arguably, the most famous actress of the 19th century. She made nine American tours starting in 1880 with her last being in 1918. Primarily a stage actress, Bernhardt ventured into a variety of other areas including making several cylinders and discs of famous dialogue from various productions. She did a reading from Phedre in Thomas Edison's home during a visit to New York in the 1880's. She painted and sculpted herself, as well as modeling for Antonio de La Gandara. She published a series of books and plays throughout her life. She was a pioneer film actress, debuting as Hamlet in Le Duel d'Hamlet in 1900. She starred in eleven motion pictures and two biographical films in all. Her success was such that Bernhardt was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

As the result of an earlier accident, her right leg was amputated, but after recuperation she continued her career using a wooden prosthetic limb. In 1915, she carried out a successful tour of America and returned to France where she continued to play in her own productions almost continuously until her death. She died in 1923 and is buried in Paris.

Medium : 1 photomechanical print : postcard

Created/Published : Between 1885 and 1900

Creator : Not attributed

Housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

Availability: Usually ships in one week

Product #: cph3g06529