[Belle Époque] Bernhardt, Sarah. (1844-1923)
Engraved 1920 Diploma from the Médaille de la Reconnaissance Française
Engraved Diploma to Bernhardt from the French Republic, presenting her with high honor of the "Médaille de la Reconnaissance Française." Paris. 18 January, 1920. Large printed document with autograph sections and an engraved vignette by Ch. Coppier. 53 x 33 cm. Mounted to rigid backing, areas of toning and staining not detracting from this visually striking and historic diploma. Deaccessioned from the museum at Bernhardt's former residence, the collection of the Musée de la Citadelle Vauban, Belle-Île-en-Mer, France."Le Président de la République par décret en date du 24 septembre 1919 a conferé à Madame Bernhardt, Sarah-Marie-Henriette la Médaille d'argent de la Reconnaissance Française: Véritable missionnaire de l'art, a fait en Amérique une propagande des plus profitables à la cause française."
[" The President of the Republic by decree on this date of 24 September 1919 has conferred on Madame Bernhardt, Sarah-Marie-Henriette, the Silver medal of the Recognition of France: true missionary of art, who in America spread the most important cause of France"]
Signed by the "Garde des Sceaux ," Louis Nail, and by the President and Secretary of the "Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur."
In 1916, Bernhardt travled from France to the United States for her final American tour. "Thirty-six years had passed since America had first seen her, a tumultuous young woman eager for money, success, and notoriety. In those days society, or what passed for society, closed its doors to her for fear of being tainted by her old-world depravity, her being a Jew, and her shameless love of publicity. Now they welcomed her as a latter-day saint who had come to them not merely as an entertainer but as an envoy from war-torn France. A born crusader, Sarah spoke at Red Cross rallies, at benefits, and at other public meetings, urging Americans to join the Allies in their fight against 'the hated enemy.' Even more effective were the short scenes she performed - she could no longer sustain a whole evening - which, like 'Les Cathédrales,' were designed to win sympathy for her ravaged country." (Arthur Gold and Robert Fizdale, "The Divine Sarah," p. 320) (5606)
Ephemera Theater