Year: 1903
Size: 48 3/8 x 77 1/2 inches
Condition: B / slight tears at folds
In 1903, The New York Times printed a review of La Sorcière (The Witch) titled "Sardou Play Triumphs: 'La Sorciere' and Sarah Bernhardt Accorded a Great Ovation in Paris," where it opened December 15, 1903. And Abbéma's promotion is appropriately triumphant as well: Bernhardt takes the central focus of the design, with the azure lettering and slight shadows drawing out Bernhardt's opalescent jewels, serene eyes, and the flowers in her luxurious gown. The play was written by Victorien Sardou, and Bernhardt played its star, Zoraya, at her namesake theatre in Paris. As The New York Times concludes, "The dramatic interest was splendidly kept up and Bernhardt's personation of the Moorish girl was magnificent. The staging and the accessories were worthy of this [mastery] of Sardou. The audience was extremely enthusiastic and gave the actress repeated ovations."