A la Renaissance, Sarah Bernhardt dans Phèdre 1893

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec created this lithograph titled 'A la Renaissance, Sarah Bernhardt dans Phèdre' without a specified date. It captures a moment steeped in the cultural and theatrical world of late 19th-century France. Lautrec immortalizes Sarah Bernhardt, a celebrated actress, in her role as Phèdre. Bernhardt's identity as a Jewish woman performing classical roles was groundbreaking. She challenged the norms of representation in theater and society, thereby shaping the cultural landscape and pushing the boundaries of identity and performance. The print conveys a sense of drama and emotion, drawn from the intensity of Bernhardt's performance. The artist’s lines capture the emotional weight of the scene. Instead of adhering to traditional representations, Lautrec focuses on capturing the emotional intensity of the moment. This piece is an intimate look into the world of theater and celebrity, offering insights into the complex intersections of identity, performance, and societal expectations during a transformative period in European history.