Sarah Bernhardt, from Treize Lithographies

Sarah Bernhardt, from Treize Lithographies is a significant print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, in 1898. This specific work is a lithograph, meticulously rendered on ivory laid paper, showcasing the artist's mastery of the graphic medium late in his career. As a key part of the influential set known as Treize Lithographies (Thirteen Lithographs), the piece captures one of the most famous and compelling personalities of fin-de-siècle France: the legendary stage actress Sarah Bernhardt.

Toulouse-Lautrec was renowned for elevating the print from a simple reproductive tool to a sophisticated art form, utilizing the fast, expressive qualities inherent in lithography. He specialized in chronicling the vibrant nightlife and celebrity culture of Paris, and this portrait reflects his focus on capturing gesture, character, and theatricality. The intimacy of the composition contrasts with his more famous poster designs, yet it maintains his signature incisive line work. The classification of the work as a print underscores the critical role graphic arts played in disseminating images of contemporary figures across France during the Post-Impressionist era.

The year 1898 situates the piece firmly within the dynamic cultural environment where performers like Bernhardt dominated the public imagination. Toulouse-Lautrec’s persistent engagement with modern French society makes the portrayal of this iconic figure particularly valuable. The original work resides within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a celebrated example of Toulouse-Lautrec’s later output and a historical document of Parisian celebrity culture, images of this work are frequently studied, with digital assets often available through public domain resources for global viewing.