D'APRÈS ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) SARAH - BERNHARDT / FAREWELL AMERICAN TOUR. 1905.
37 1/2x12 1/2 inches, 95 1/2x31 3/4 cm. The Metropolitan Printing Co., New York.
Condition B: losses and tears in image; repaired tears, creases and losses at edges; time-staining in lower image. Mounted on board. Matted and framed.
Sarah Bernhardt used this image, derived from Mucha's 1898 design for the cover of L'Estampe Moderne, to promote her first American tour. It differs slightly from Mucha's original version in various ways, most prominently that the woman's hand (which had been depicted holding a pen) is not present at all, and her eyes are now shown 'uplifted piously heavenward' (Rennert / Weill p. 159). There is also an addition of a little color as well as more detail in her nose and mouth. These stylistic differences and the absence of Mucha's signature suggest that the image was merely inspired by Mucha, but not created by his hand. This was the first of three 'farewell tours' Sarah Bernhardt had in America between 1905 and 1912. Three different posters were printed in New York by the Metropolitan Printing Company to promote this tour; the other two were based on previous posters Mucha had designed for the actress. rare we have been able to locate only one other copy at auction. Rennert / Weill 38 (var 2).