Lot 229A
Alphonse Mucha (Czech-born expatriate in Paris, 1860-1939). "La Dame aux Camelias" (The Lady of the Camellias) color lithograph (1896-1898) signed "Mucha" on lower left AND a handwritten inscription by Sara Bernhardt (French, 1844-1923) - signed by Bernhardt and dated 1920. Sarah Bernhardt considered Alexandre Dumas' "La Dame aux Camelias" to be the most important drama of her career. Bernhardt played the title role, Camille, a courtesan dying of consumption who frees her lover from his promise to marry her. Alphonse Mucha depicts the suffering heroine in billowing garments, dramatically leaning against a balustrade with silver stars in the background. She wears a white camelia blossom in her hair, and a mysterious hand at the bottom of the image holds another camelia symbolizing death. At the top of the design are thorny roses piercing hearts, underscoring the central theme of the story: the ultimate sacrifice of love. Bernhardt adored Mucha's design and used it for her American tour of 1905-1906 and 1910-1911. Size of lithograph (sight view): 13.5" L x 5" W (34.3 cm x 12.7 cm) Size of Bernhardt's inscription (sight view): 3.2" L x 5" W (8.1 cm x 12.7 cm) Size of frame: 22.4" L x 8.875" W (56.9 cm x 22.5 cm)
The inscription below is handwritten by the famous French actress, Sarah Bernhardt, on her monogrammed "SB" stationary with the "Quand Meme" banner. The text is written in French and the handwriting is difficult to decipher; however, Bernhardt's signature and the date 1920 are certainly legible.
Bernhardt starred in many popular French plays of the 19th and 20th centuries. These included Alexandre Dumas "La Dame aux Camelias", Victor Hugo's "Ruy Bas", and Victorien Sardou's "La Tosca" and "Fedora". In addition, Bernhardt played Shakespeare's Hamlet and other male roles. Furthermore, she was among the first actresses to act in motion pictures and make sound recordings. Bernhardt was famous for being eccentric. She kept exotic animals in her home, including an alligator that drank champagne, and was known to sleep in a satin-lined coffin.
Alphonse Mucha (also Alfons Maria Mucha) was a Czech artist who lived in Paris during the Art Nouveau period. He is probably best known for his theatrical posters, especially those featuring Sarah Bernhardt.
Provenance: private Wabasha, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000
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#171886
- Condition: Mucha's color lithograph and Bernhardt's inscription have not been examined outside the frame. Imagery and text are still vivid. Normal age wear with expected toning and fading as shown. Bernhardt's inscriptionis handwritten on her monogrammed "SB" stationary with the "Quand Meme" banner. The text is written in French and the handwriting is difficult to decipher; however, Bernhardt's signature and the date 1920 are certainly legible. Minor scuffs to frame. Wired for suspension.
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