Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's lithograph, Sarah Bernhardt in "Cleopatra" (Sarah Bernhardt dans "Cléopatre"), created in 1896, captures the celebrated French actress in one of her most famous theatrical roles. This striking image, produced during the height of the Poster Art movement, is executed as a lithograph in black on delicate China paper, highlighting the artist's mastery of expressive line and shadow. The piece was produced within the historically rich 1876 to 1900 period, when printmaking allowed for the broad dissemination of artistic expression.
Toulouse-Lautrec was renowned for his unflinching portrayals of Parisian stage life and its social figures. Unlike his often vibrant, multicolored commercial posters, this work employs stark contrasts, focusing solely on the dramatic presence of Bernhardt. The theatrical scene depicts the actress, known for her intense energy and flair, embodying the legendary Egyptian queen. As a prominent printmaker of the late 19th century, Toulouse-Lautrec often collaborated with theaters and publishers, utilizing the accessibility of prints to widely distribute his art, positioning him as a central figure in the dynamic French cultural scene.
The decision to render the image in simple black ink emphasizes the psychological depth and inherent drama of the subject over costume detail or setting. This powerful portrayal is a key example of Toulouse-Lautrec's ability to translate the transient energy of a live performance into lasting visual art. The work’s classification as a print means that many impressions were created, contributing to its subsequent availability through resources such as the public domain. This fine example of Toulouse-Lautrec's theatrical printmaking is housed within the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
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