Sarah Bernhardt - Patroness of Art Nouveau

Sarah Bernhardt passed away on 26 March 1923, exactly one hundred years ago today! She was in her day the most notorious French theater actress and the very first to perform on all five continents! And always in French mind you!

Aside from her impact as an actress, she greatly contributed to spreading the then emerging Art Nouveau movement.

In 1894, she fell head over heels over the graphic design by a man named Alfons Mucha who was hired to illustrate the advertising for her play "Gismonda". She liked his art so much, she signed him a six year contract.

She also asked him to design stage sets, and jewelry which she wore on and off stage...