Description
Paul Berthon ( 1872- 1909 ) was a French decorative artist.
He began studying painting in Villefranche. From 1893, he moved to Paris, where he attended the École normale d'enseignement du dessin. Among the courses taken at the time, those of the professor of decorative art Eugène Grasset had the greatest impact on him.
This is his most famous lithograph, a portrait of Sarah Bernhardt in the title role of "La Princesse Lointaine", which she first played in 1894. In this drawing, Berthon transformed the tiara of her costume and her garland of flowery jewelry into real irises framing her idealized face.
Sarah Bernhardt (1844 - 1923) was a renowned French actress and great tragedienne. She was the first actress to tour all 5 continents. Called by Victor Hugo "the Golden Voice", but also by others "the Divine" or "the Empress of the theater", she is considered one of the greatest French tragediennes of the nineteenth century.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good.
Origin:
France
Materials & Techniques:
Lithograph
International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
He began studying painting in Villefranche. From 1893, he moved to Paris, where he attended the École normale d'enseignement du dessin. Among the courses taken at the time, those of the professor of decorative art Eugène Grasset had the greatest impact on him.
This is his most famous lithograph, a portrait of Sarah Bernhardt in the title role of "La Princesse Lointaine", which she first played in 1894. In this drawing, Berthon transformed the tiara of her costume and her garland of flowery jewelry into real irises framing her idealized face.
Sarah Bernhardt (1844 - 1923) was a renowned French actress and great tragedienne. She was the first actress to tour all 5 continents. Called by Victor Hugo "the Golden Voice", but also by others "the Divine" or "the Empress of the theater", she is considered one of the greatest French tragediennes of the nineteenth century.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good.
Origin:
France
Materials & Techniques:
Lithograph
International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Very good.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
31.25 x 23 x 0.25 in
Sarah Bernhardt as "La Princesse Lointaine" by Paul Berthon
Estimate $2,100-$6,300
Starting Price
$1,400
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Summer House Style II
Jul 03, 2026 7:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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