Sarah Bernhardt
Artist
Edward C. Dana
(American, 1852 - 1897)
Dateca. 1880
MediumAlbumen cabinet card
DimensionsImage and sheet: 5 5/8 × 3 15/16 inches (14.29 × 10 cm)
Mount: 6 3/8 × 4 1/8 inches (16.19 × 10.48 cm)
Mount: 6 3/8 × 4 1/8 inches (16.19 × 10.48 cm)
Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Object number2005.27.3800
SignedOn mount recto, bottom, in gold type: "Dana NEW YORK.";
On mount verso, center, in god type: "Dana / PORTRAITS, / Cor. 14th St. & 6th Ave., / N.Y. / (OPP. MACY'S) / IMPERIALS, $8.00 Per Doz. / CARDS - 5.00 "" "
InscribedOn mount verso, upper left, in pencil: "Sarah Bernhardt."
MarkingsOn mount verso, lower left, in pencil: "Merservl"
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionImage of young woman standing next to the statue (bust) of a woman. The woman is wearing heels, pants, and a jacket with a scarf.Exhibition HistoryIn the Public Eye: Photography and Fame. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, March 8 - June 15, 2008, no cat.
Perhaps the first true theatrical "star," Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was a phenomenon in her time. Famous at first in France, she became celebrated across Europe and in the United States. Bernhardt's public image was an deliberate construct of artistry and sensation. One of the few celebrities of the day paid to be photographed, Bernhardt had a strong hand in the making of her images, including the details of costume and pose. Here, she wears a tight fitting silk suit, considered scandalously masculine at the time. The daring of such images helped to further boost Bernhardt's popularity, while guaranteeing profitable sales for the photographer.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
