Sarah Bernhardt

A cabinet card portrait of Sarah Bernhardt (1845-1923), frequently referred to as 'The Divine Sarah' during her lifetime.

A shameless self-publicist throughout her long career, Sarah Bernard was photographed time and again by all the best photographers in the world, invariably demanding to be paid up front, rather than accepting a percentage of the profits. In 1890, Napoleon Sarony is alleged to have paid her $10,000 for a single sitting, presumably secure in the knowledge that her image would guarantee him a profit on the deal.

Photographed by William and Daniel Downey of London and Newcastle.