The artwork titled “Sarah Bernhardt as Medea” is a lithographic poster created by Alphonse Mucha in 1898. It exemplifies the Art Nouveau (Modern) style, capturing the essence of the movement’s elegant lines and ornamental detail. Measuring 206 by 76 centimeters, the poster was crafted as a piece of promotional material and now resides in the Mucha Museum located in Prague, Czech Republic. This piece was designed to advertise the performance of the illustrious actress Sarah Bernhardt in the theatrical production of “Medea” at the Théâtre de la Renaissance.
The artwork is a striking testament to Mucha’s mastery of form and color. It portrays Sarah Bernhardt in the role of Medea, with a magnetic, intense gaze that conveys the dramatic nature of the character. Her visage is adorned with an elaborate headdress, which, along with her costume, features intricate patterns and rich colors typical of Mucha’s designs. Behind her, the arch and background suggest a majestic setting, with a subtle palette that accentuates the central figure.
Medea, wielding a knife, stands over the lifeless body of a child, an element that alludes to the tragic narrative of the play wherein Medea takes vengeance on her unfaithful husband by murdering their offspring. This element provides the poster with solemnity and depth, capturing a pivotal moment in the story it represents.
The lettering at the top of the artwork highlights the name of the play, “MEDEE,” in bold capitals, with the venue “THEATRE DE LA RENAISSANCE” just below, suggesting the importance of the performance and its location. The bottom of the poster features the artist’s signature, elegantly woven into the composition, and also includes the printmaker’s information, affirming the poster’s original purpose as an object of advertisement.
Overall, the composition’s elongated vertical format and the harmonious arrangement of text and image illustrate the hallmark qualities of Alphonse Mucha’s work during the height of the Art Nouveau period. The poster not only serves as an advertisement but also stands as a remarkable piece of decorative art, emblematic of the fusion between commercial and fine arts at the turn of the 20th century.
