Portrait de Sarah Bernhardt 1879

This is Louise Abbéma’s rendering of Sarah Bernhardt as medallion in 1878. The artwork is immediately striking for its graphic simplicity and monochrome palette. The face in profile is set within a stark, round frame that emphasizes the features of Bernhardt’s face. Abbéma captures Bernhardt’s distinctive features with precision, focusing on her sharp nose and delicate lips. The soft, wispy lines used to depict her hair contrast with the more defined contours of her face, lending the portrait a sense of ethereal beauty. The artist captures Bernhardt's enigmatic persona through careful modulation of tone and texture, making it an intimate yet formal portrayal. Abbéma uses light and shadow to create depth and volume, which suggests a dynamic presence. This adds dynamism and complexity to the representation of its subject.