Old Masters, British & European Paintings - 8th March 2023

Lot 321

Georges Jules Victor Clairin (French 1843-1919)

Estimate £4,000 - £6,000 | Hammer £8000

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Description

Georges Jules Victor Clairin (French 1843-1919)
Sarah Bernhardt as the Duke of Reichstadt (Napoleon II) in L'Aiglon
Signed, inscribed and dated à Sarah Bernhardt/1900/G.Clarin son ami (lower left)
Oil on canvas
85.5 x 109.9cm; 33¾ x 43¼in

Provenance:
Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923);
Ashley John Gallery, Florida;
Sotheby's, New York, Old Master and 19th Century European Art, 28 January 2006, lot 186

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 (1844-1923), famous for playing male roles, enjoyed a long run as the title character. It was one of her most famous and financially successful dramatic portrayals. She was painted by Georges Clairin on numerous occasions for over 20 years. Their friendship and working relationship will be explored as part of a forthcoming exhibition on Bernhardt at the Petit Palais, Paris later this year.