Sarah Bernhardt
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The Art of High Drama
Carol Ockman and Kenneth E. Silver; With contributions by Janis Bergman-Carton, Karen Levitov, and Suzanne Schwarz Zuber
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Format: ClothPrice: $50.00
A beautifully illustrated celebration of the life, art, and style of “the Divine Sarah”
Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923) was an extraordinary performer, so much so that her name became synonymous with acting. Yet her importance extended beyond the world of theater—she was an icon of French nationalism, a target of both admiration and scorn, an artist and sculptor, and a trendsetting avatar of style. This fascinating book examines the many sides and talents of Bernhardt, from her beginnings at the Comédie Française through her international stardom. Wonderfully illustrated, the book features an unprecedented collection of images relating to Bernhardt’s life, including paintings, posters, photographs, costumes, jewelry, stage designs, self-portraits, and sculptures.
Bernhardt orchestrated a brilliant sixty-year career as an actress and entrepreneur, becoming a revered patriotic figure in her native France and a beloved star in America, where she undertook nine successful tours. Along the way she sat for the most fashionable artists of her time, became the most photographed woman in the world, and attached her name to everything from hair curlers to liqueurs. This book brings the incredible Sarah Bernhardt to life for contemporary readers and highlights her historical significance and integral place in modern culture.
Featured illustrations include:
• Art Nouveau posters by Alphonse Mucha depicting Bernhardt in her most famous roles
• Designer costumes, tunics, tiaras, and jewelry
• A human skull, a gift from Victor Hugo
• Portraits of the actress by Jean Cocteau, Félix Nadar, Andy Warhol, and others
Published in association with The Jewish Museum, New York
Exhibition Schedule:
The Jewish Museum, New York (December 2, 2005 – April 2, 2006)
Carol Ockman is professor in the Art Department of Williams College and author of Ingres’s Eroticized Bodies: Retracing the Serpentine Line, published by Yale University Press. Kenneth E. Silver is professor in the Fine Arts Department of New York University. Janis Bergman-Carton is professor of art history at Southern Methodist University and author of The Woman of Ideas in French Art, 1830–1848, published by Yale University Press. Karen Levitov is assistant curator and Suzanne Schwarz Zuber is project assistant, both at The Jewish Museum.
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
The Jewish Museum, New York (December 2, 2005 – April 2, 2006)
"Delightfully illustrated with paintings, photographs, posters, costumes, jewelry, stage designs and more, this highly readable book . . . offers an engrossing account of Bernhardt's life and career."—France
"[A] sumptuous book"—Jewish Chronicle
“A lavish catalog. . . . Highly insightful essays ponder Bernhardt as celebrity; national icon; entrepreneur; and creator, collector, and subject of decorative arts. . . . This is a fascinating look at both the actress and the woman. . . . Highly recommended for all theater and biography collections.”—Library Journal
Publication Date: December 2, 2005
Publishing Partner: Published in association with The Jewish Museum, New York
73 b/w + 122 color illus.
