Josep Simont Guillén *
(Barcelona 1875–1968 Caracas)
Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923) in a Paris Cafe, verso inscribed with pencil (indistinctly legible), signed Simont Paris, oil on canvas, 63 x 99 cm, framed
The Spanish artist Josep Simont Guillén moved to Paris in 1898. A talented portraitist and keen observer of everyday life, he captured the essence of Parisian worldly life, from receptions at the Élysée Palace, theatrical performances, to galas at the Opera. His work is characterized by photographic realism with high technical detail and freshness, which seems to compete with the then-incipient journalistic photography. His work was extensively published in both French and international magazines such as L'Illustration, Le Monde Illustré, The Illustrated London News, and Berliner Illustrierte Zeitung.
The protagonist of this painting is Sarah Bernhardt, who is the indisputable center of attention in a Parisian café. Bernhardt's career, spanning over half a century, was marked by her unparalleled ability to convey deep emotional truths, earning her the epithet "The Divine Sarah." Her performances in roles ranging from Shakespeare's tragic heroines to the complex characters of French melodrama showcased not just her versatility but also her commitment to the art of acting. Bernhardt was not just an actress but a phenomenon, embracing innovation and media much ahead of her time, including photography and early film.
