Self-Portrait as a Chimera c. 1880

This self-portrait as a chimera was made by Sarah Bernhardt, the celebrated French actress, out of bronze. Bernhardt chose bronze, a material associated with durability and permanence, to immortalize herself. The lost-wax casting process used to create the sculpture allowed for intricate detailing, capturing the texture of her hair and the subtle expression on her face. Bronze casting has a long history, linking Bernhardt to a tradition of skilled craftsmanship and artistic expression. But why the form of a chimera? It's a creature of mythology, a hybrid, that might speak to her sense of self as both human and otherworldly, woman and beast. The work is undeniably theatrical, and was likely made for commercial distribution; a memento for her fans. By embracing the roles of both artist and subject, Bernhardt challenged conventional gender roles and asserted her creative agency beyond the stage, leaving a lasting impression on both the art world and popular culture.