29 At the Renaissance: Sarah Bernhardt in "Phèdre".... Lot 29

29 At the Renaissance: Sarah Bernhardt in "Phèdre". 1893. Lithograph. 230 x 335 [280 x 380]. Delteil 47; Wittrock 37. A very fine proof on white glazed vellum, numbered in pencil (54) and stamped with the red monogram (having turned brown). All margins. Edition of 100 proofs (more than half of them stamped). Subject published by L'Escarmouche and reproduced in the issue of December 24, 1893. 1 800 - 2 000 € Proof possibly formerly washed (which would explain the change of color of the red stamp). Fine oblique crease visible in the lower part of the subject and a few other fine creases, notably from handling. Fine oblique scratch (normal) perceptible in the stone across the veil of the servant. Minute remnants of mounting tab (peel paper) at the head on the reverse. This famous performance of Sarah Bernhardt in Phèdre inspired Proust for his character of La Berma, whom the narrator will hear as a child (À l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs) and whom he meets again later (Du côté de Guermantes).