Portret van Sarah Bernhardt in de rol van Mistress Clarckson in L'Étrangère before 1880

This is an undated photograph of Sarah Bernhardt in the role of Mistress Clarckson in L'Étrangère, held at the Rijksmuseum. The dominant visual symbol here is Sarah Bernhardt herself, draped in elaborate fabrics and ornaments, embodying the height of theatrical elegance. This pose, reminiscent of classical portraiture, connects her to a long line of powerful figures immortalized in art. Consider the recurring motif of the 'femme fatale' throughout art history. From the biblical Eve to Salome, women have been portrayed as both alluring and dangerous. Bernhardt, through her dramatic pose and costume, taps into this archetype. She becomes a vessel through which collective anxieties and desires surrounding female power are expressed. Notice how the theatrical setting and the dramatic lighting enhance the emotional impact, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The cyclical nature of these symbols is evident. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, proving that images carry a cultural weight that transcends time.