Sarah Bernhardt in "Cleopatra" (Sarah Bernhardt dans "Cléopatre")
1896
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1896
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a woman in a dramatic pose, lying back on a couch with one arm raised. Her hair is piled high, and she wears a loose, flowing dress. Behind her, a tall lamp with a curved shade stands near the wall. The rough, sketchy lines suggest this was drawn quickly, maybe during a performance. The artist focused on movement and energy over perfect details. Next, check out lithography to see how this print was made.