Art Nouveau Jewelry Custom Made for Sarah Bernhardt
Sarah Bernhardt, born in France in 1844, became one of the most popular dramatic actresses of her time, appearing on-stage throughout Europe and the United States, and even starring in a handful of silent films.Bernhardt was married once, but the marriage didn't last. Twenty years earlier, in 1864, she had a child with Henri, Prince de Ligne, but his parents discouraged a marriage. Bernhardt is rumored to have been the mistress of Edward VII of England while he was still the Prince of Wales, and she probably had a long-term relationship with French painter Louise Abbéma.
Sarah Bernhardt was seriously injured during a fall on-stage in 1905, and the wound never truly healed, eventually forcing doctors to amputate the injured leg. She continued to perform until her death in 1923.
The Art Nouveau jewelry above was custom made for Bernhardt. Click on the photo for a closer view.
