Georges Jules Victor Clairin 1843-1919

bidding is closed

Description

Georges Jules Victor Clairin
Sarah Bernhardt as the Duke of Reichstadt (Napoleon II) in L'Aiglon
signed G. Clairin, dedicated à Sarah Bernardt and dated 1900 (lower left)
oil on canvas
34 by 43 in.
86.3 by 109.2 cm.

Provenance

Sarah Bernhardt, Paris (the Sarah Bernhardt estate stamp is affixed to the stretcher)

Catalogue Note

Edmond Rostand wrote the play L'Aiglon in 1900. The title, which means The Eaglet, is the nickname of Napoleon Bonaparte's son, the Duke of Reichstadt (Napoleon II). The scene depicted here is the climax of the play, in which the young man confronts the memory of the Battle of Waterloo.
Sarah Bernhardt, notorious for playing male roles, enjoyed a long run as the title character. It was one of her most famous and financially successful dramatic portrayals.