Sarah Bernhardt, a superstar from the Belle Époque
From 14 April 2023 to 27 August 2023, the Petit Palais in Paris presents an exhibition devoted to Sarah Bernhardt, (1844-1923), an emblematic figure who spanned the 19th and 20th centuries.
Source: Petit Palais · Image: Georges Clairin, “Portrait de Sarah Bernhardt”, 1876. Oil on canvas, 250×200 cm
The “Divine Sarah,” who was an artist as well as an actress, takes centre stage at the Petit Palais in an exceptional exhibition to mark the centenary of her death. The museum holds important collections of works linked to the actress, including the spectacular portrait of her that was painted in 1876 by her friend Georges Clairin and donated by her son Maurice.
With over four hundred works, the exhibition traces the life and theatrical career of this “sacred monster”, as Jean Cocteau dubbed her. A legendary performer of the greatest roles from Racine, Shakespeare, Edmond Rostand and Alexandre Dumas fils, among others, Sarah Bernhardt went from triumph to triumph in theatres all over the world.
The exhibition evokes her greatest roles through the costumes she wore on stage, photographs, paintings, posters and other memorabilia. Her “golden voice” and her tall, slender figure – unusual in those days – held the public in thrall, as well as the artistic and literary world, who simply venerated her. She was the friend of painters such as Gustave Doré, Georges Clairin, Louise Abbéma, and Alphonse Mucha, but also of writers like Victor Hugo, Victorien Sardou and Sacha Guitry, as well as musicians and composers like Reynaldo Hahn. She was an artist herself, and an entire section of the exhibition focuses on this lesser-known aspect of her life.
Photographs, paintings and even a film reveal the private side of her art, but also the publicity she sought for her work as an artist. A number of objects that belonged to her also illustrate Sarah Bernhardt’s personal life and her taste for eccentricity: her various homes, her lavish, eclectic interiors and her wardrobe. Sarah Bernhardt can be regarded as a genuine star before her time, constantly on the look-out for new trends and using her image for her own publicity. The frenzy of popular emotion that greeted her death in 1923, at the age of 79, anticipated the cult following of the great film stars of the 20th century.
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The World Art News
BY MARK ANDERSON
Art dealing can be a glamorous and lucrative business, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. In recent years, there have been numerous cases of art dealers falling victim to theft, fraud, and even violence. According to reports by the FBI, Interpol, and the Art Loss Register, there were over 24,700 reported cases of art theft between 2008 and 2022, with the value of stolen art during this period surpassing more than $11 billion. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the risks that art dealers face in their line of work.
Art dealers are not only at risk from criminal activity but also face other dangers such as lawsuits, damages to artwork during transportation, and disagreements with clients. In some cases, art dealers have even faced physical harm or threats of violence from disgruntled clients. Despite these risks, the art market continues to grow, with global art sales reaching $67.8 billion in 2022, according to the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. This growth has been fueled by increasing demand from wealthy collectors and the rise of online sales platforms. However, it is important for art dealers to be aware of the dangers that come with their profession and take steps to protect themselves and their clients.
A thorough background check of your buyers and sellers is always a good idea. It ensures that they are reputable and trustworthy. But let’s be honest, checking references, credit ratings, or verifying identity is not always easy. That’s why a basic internet search is a must. Googling someone’s full name, email, and general business information can be done is minutes, and can tell a lot about who you are dealing with. And let’s not forget, most people now have social media accounts that offer a great deal of background information about them. Find and review these accounts, trusting your intuition – because the information you fin can put you at ease or raise serious concerns. Caution is key!
As an art dealer you must take security measures to prevent theft or damage to your rarities. This could include installing alarms, surveillance cameras, and secure locks on doors and windows. If you are dealing with truly valuable artworks, you may want to seriously consider hiring a security guard to monitor the premises and even accompany you outside. Additional, less costly measures could include having a dog, even a small one with a loud bark in some cases can deter a criminal. If you are traveling with valuables, be sure that no one knows that you are, and make your route unpredictable.
Above all, pay attention to when you are alone at home or work, on the street, and especially your vehicle. Art dealers have been abducted when driving by themselves on low-traffic roads, often after dark, so be mindful of your surroundings. Many stores and even vehicles now have an emergency button that instantly connects them to the police or rescue services. Make sure you have one and be ready to use it. And finally, firearms. Some countries permit using firearms for self-defense. If you live in such a country, learn your local laws and consider taking a course to become a responsible firearms owner.
To protect against loss or damage, art dealers should ensure that their artworks are fully insured. This should include coverage for theft, damage during transport, and other risks like natural disasters. When transporting your artworks, ensure that they arrive at their destination safely by hiring a professional art handler or use a reputable shipping company with experience in transporting valuable art, antiques, and collectibles. When not on display or in transport, to prevent theft or damage, store your valuables in secure location, such as a vault or safe. Additionally, there are now many professional art storage companies that will hold your most treasured rarities in a secure, climate controlled, facility.
All serious art dealers, that value their peace of mind, should seek legal advice to ensure that their transactions are above board and that they are not exposed to unnecessary legal risks. This may involve consulting with a lawyer to review contracts, verify ownership of artwork, and ensure that all transactions comply with relevant laws and regulations of your country.
By taking these steps, art dealers can help to protect themselves and their clients from the risks associated with their profession. While these measures may require an investment of time and money, they are essential to ensuring the safety and security of valuable artwork. Art dealing can be a rewarding profession, but it is also one that requires caution and diligence to ensure the safety of artwork and those involved in its trade. Be smart, stay safe, love art!
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