Bronze Sculpture by Marius Mars-Vallet: ‘Sarah Bernhardt as Princess Lointaine’

This captivating patinated bronze sculpture depicts the legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt as Mélissinde in Edmond Rostand’s play “La Princesse Lointaine” by Marius Mars-Vallet (1869-1957). The show is based on the Princesse Lointaine archetype, a role meant to embody loving someone unattainable. Thus Bernhardt dons a medieval-style gown accompanied by a headdress that hangs around the actress’s necklace and face, which she touches with one finger as if wiping away a tear. The billowing fabric of Bernhardt’s dress rests on a umber granite base.