Roland Mathieu-Meusnier (1824-1896) Portrait of Miss Sarah Bernhardt

Let's discover two key figures in French artistic history: Mathieu-Meusnier, the sculptor, and Sarah Bernhardt, the legendary actress. Their lives and works left an indelible mark on the cultural scene of the 19th century. Through their talents and collaborations, they shaped the artistic landscape of their time, and continue to inspire succeeding generations. Their fascinating bond, embodied by this terracotta medallion depicting the "divine" Sarah Bernhardt, testifies to their deep artistic connection and mutual influence...

Mathieu-Meusnier, Creator of Eminent Figures
Mathieu Roland Meusnier, known as Mathieu-Meusnier, was born on April 1, 1824, and breathed his last in the same city on January 31, 1896. Unlike other artists of his time, he channeled his artistic expression exclusively through sculpture.
He made his Salon debut in 1843 with a marble bust of the philosopher Pierre-Hyacinthe Azaïs (Versailles). His reputation was further enhanced when he won a bronze medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle, followed by the prestigious Légion d'Honneur that same year.
Mathieu-Meusnier distinguished himself as one of the most prolific sculptors of his time, fashioning a large number of busts, medallions and decorative sculptural compositions for public commissions. His works adorned prestigious monuments such as the Opéra (La Mosaïque and La Mécanique in the avant-foyer, 1872), the courtyards of the Louvre (L'Orfèvrerie in 1867 for the cour carrée, Le Génie de la Tempête in 1868 on the Pavillon des Sessions, La Verrerie in 1889). His work can also be admired in several Paris cemeteries, notably Père-Lachaise.

Sarah Bernhardt, the Diva Sacralized by Ruy Blas
Sarah Bernhardt, legendary tragedienne, pioneer of the cult of celebrity, embodiment of the fin de siècle and Belle Époque era, free-spirited and enterprising, Rosine Bernard, known as Sarah Bernhardt, was born in Paris on October 22, 1844, and took her last breath there on March 26, 1923.
She was admitted to the Conservatoire in 1859 and three years later won second prize for acting, opening the doors to the Comédie-Française, where she made her debut as Iphigénie on August 11, 1862... until her dismissal in May 1863 following a dispute with Mme Nathalie, a colleague who had bullied her little sister Régina. She then embarked on a prolific career in boulevard theaters such as the Porte Saint-Martin and the Gymnase, before signing with the Odéon in 1864. But her crowning achievement came on February 19, 1872, with the triumphant premiere of Victor Hugo's Ruy Blas. The famous author knelt before her on stage to thank her, even christening her the "Golden Voice".
After this triumph, she was immediately called back to the Comédie-Française, where she was welcomed as a triumph and appointed Sociétaire the following year. Known as "Mademoiselle Révolte", she became known as much for her talent as an actress as for her antics, which were reported in the press. The diva resigned from the Théâtre Français in April 1880, and toured the world with her own troupe until 1917. A modern woman and romantic actress, she captivated audiences, critics and artists alike.
When she died in 1923, her funeral became a quasi-national event, attracting a million people along the procession between her home on boulevard Pereire, the church of Saint François de Sales, "her" Sarah-Bernhardt theater and the Père Lachaise cemetery - a tribute not seen since Victor Hugo's funeral in 1885.

Sarah Bernhardt and Sculpture
The hitherto unpublished terracotta medallion representing the "sacred monster" should be associated with the silver-plated bronze one exhibited by Mathieu-Meusnier at the 1879 Salon. It was warmly praised by one critic: "At last! Here is a true portrait, a serious profile of this great artist! It could only be better understood and represented by its excellent master, our old friend Mathieu-Meusnier. [...] He had the finesse to portray her in the role of the Queen in Ruy Blas. Here, her profile is truly remarkable. A flame of life and inspiration animates her features; what depth of thought and feeling inhabits this superb little profile! Sincere congratulations to our old friend, who has captured and portrayed his famous model and pupil so well".
The relationship between the sculptor and the actress was undeniable. Proof of this friendship and of the sincere interest she took in the fine arts, practicing them herself, is illustrated by her possession of a marble statuette of Mathieu-Meusnier's La Douleur, while Mathieu-Meusnier had exhibited a bust of his son at the Salon of 1872.
The story of Mathieu-Meusnier and Sarah Bernhardt, illustrated in this medallion, testifies to the immense impact that the arts, particularly sculpture and theater, had on French society in the 19th century and beyond. Mathieu-Meusnier, with his talent and devotion to sculpture, immortalized the great men of his time, while Sarah Bernhardt, with her charisma and artistic genius, won the hearts of audiences and left an indelible legacy in the world of theater. Their collaboration and friendship exemplified the convergence of the visual and performing arts, enriching France's cultural heritage. Together, they embodied the creative spirit and artistic excellence that continue to radiate through the centuries, inspiring future generations to pursue their passion and commitment to the arts.