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Sarah Bernhardt in the role of
the Duc de Reichstadt,
 by Ethel Karuth, signed, circa 1900. 

Notorious courtesan, Sarah Bernhardt, the self-proclaimed "most famous actress in the history of the world," made a daring choice when, at the age of 56, she took on the role of Napoleon's 17 year old son in "L'Aiglon."  It became one of her greatest successes.  Pictured here in the uniform Paul Poiret designed for the role, she created an international fashion sensation.  After sold-out runs in Paris and London, "The Divine Sarah" took "L'Aiglon" on tour of America.  The headline of the review for her performance at the Metropolitan Opera read "Sarah Bernhardt in "L'Aiglon" makes the greatest triumph of her career."
 
Set in the original gilt metal pendant frame, signed in monogram on the obverse, the reverse with sitter and exhibition information in the artist's hand.
 
2 3/4 inches (7 cm) high.
 
Miss Ethel Mary Karuth (born 1873) miniaturist and illustrator, was an Associate of the Society of Women Artists.  She exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Miniature Society, the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.
 
Exhibited:  The Franco-British Exhibition, London, 1908.
 
Provenance:  By descent in the Karuth family.