Artwork Page for Sarah Bernhardt in "Zaire" by Voltaire

Details / Information for Sarah Bernhardt in "Zaire" by Voltaire

Sarah Bernhardt in "Zaire" by Voltaire

1874

Étienne Carjat

(French, 1828–1906)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
albumen print from wet collodion negative
Measurements
Image: 27.3 x 21.3 cm (10 3/4 x 8 3/8 in.); Matted: 50.8 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1996.245
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Carjat’s portrait studio, like those of Nadar and Mathew Brady, made its reputation on celebrity portraiture. An important segment of that market was the theatrical portrait. Thanks to photographs and engravings made from them and published in newspapers, performers like French actress Sarah Bernhardt gained international fame. “The Divine Sarah” is seen here at age 30 costumed for a play about star-crossed lovers set during the Crusades. Like Nadar, Carjat preferred plain backdrops to let the sitters’ poses, expressions, and costumes tell their story. The long exposure times, however, limited the theatricality of their poses.

Sarah Bernhardt in "Zaire" by Voltaire

1874

Étienne Carjat

(French, 1828–1906)
France, 19th century

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