Description: Bernhardt Sarah

Sarah Bernhardt Gorgeous ALS

2pp ALS in French inscribed overall and signed by French actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) as "Sarah" at the top of the second and third inner pages. The undated letter was presumably written in Paris, since it is addressed to a fellow city resident. Pencil inscribed on Bernhardt's custom watermarked cream laid bifold stationery paper with mourning band featuring Bernhardt's monogram, motto "Quand même", and a theatrical masque embossed at top. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope in Sarah's hand, with the actress's crest appearing on the return address flap. With the collector's pencil notation (when purchased) found at the top of the first page. Expected wear, else near fine. 3.875" x 5". Ex Ray V. Denslow (see biography below.)

Translated in full below. Both the translation and transcription appear with unchanged spelling and punctuation.

Translation:

"I am suffering horribly dear friend, taken by the flu and fever. Do you want to reschedule for tomorrow the great pleasure that I promised myself in lunching with you



I embrace you very affectionately



Sarah."

Transcript:

"Je suis horriblement souffrante cher ami, prise par la grippe et la fièvre. Voulez vous remettre à demain le grand plaisir que je me promets de dejeuner avec vous



Je vous embrasse bien affectionnement



Sarah."

Sarah Bernhardt, née Henriette-Rosine Bernard, was the illegitimate daughter of a Dutch Jewish courtesan living in Paris. She attended the prestigious acting school the Comédie Française between 1860-1862. "The Divine Sarah" proved a naturally gifted actress. Over the next five decades, Sarah interpreted classic and modern theatre roles like Phèdre, Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Iphigenia, The Lady of the Camelias, and even Hamlet. She toured the entire world and even appeared in early motion pictures.

Bernhardt's biographer Robert Gottlieb wrote that Bernhardt's motto "Quand même"--which translates into various expressions ranging from "just the same" to "despite everything"--perfectly captures her ethos of perseverance and personal survival. [Robert Gottlieb, Sarah: The Life of Sarah Bernhardt (New Haven: The Yale University Press, 2010).]

Sarah Bernhardt and her correspondent, British journalist Campbell Clarke (1835-1902), were regulars of the same Parisian social circles. After 1872, Clarke served as the resident correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. He was also a translator, playwright, editor, and art collector. The Légion d'Honneur recipient was knighted in 1897.

Provenance

Ray V. Denslow (1885-1960), a fourth generation Freemason, and internationally renowned Masonic historian, having written over 20 full volumes and 62 booklets on Masonic subjects. He held extensive positions as a Freemason over his lifetime including Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Missouri and as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Missouri. Perhaps his greatest national honor was that of serving as General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, from 1942-46. He was Grand Master of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor in 1949; Grand Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine in 1943; Grand Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites; Great Prior of the Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité Sainte, U.S.A. in 1952; and Grand Abbot of the Society of Blue Friars at the time of his death. He held almost 100 honorary memberships in Masonic groups stretching from France to the Philippines.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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