Sarah Bernhardt as Melisande 

This is Paul Berthon's portrayal of Sarah Bernhardt as Melisande, captured through the lithographic process. Notice the irises that envelop Bernhardt, not merely as decoration but as symbols laden with meaning. The iris, named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, has long been associated with eloquence, faith, and hope. Yet, its sword-like leaves also evoke the pain and sorrow. Here, the iris encapsulates the complex character of Melisande, a figure of ethereal beauty touched by tragedy. Centuries before, in Renaissance paintings, irises often appeared in scenes of the Annunciation, linking the Virgin Mary to concepts of purity and suffering. In Berthon’s image, this echoes the fate of Melisande, a character whose innocence leads to her undoing. The repetition of this motif across time reveals how deeply ingrained these symbols are in our collective consciousness, resurfacing to evoke similar emotional responses. The viewer, subconsciously, connects with this tradition, experiencing the artwork on an emotional level.