Rating and value of works, paintings and sculptures by Sarah Bernhardt

If you own a work by or about the artist Sarah Bernhardt, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Cote et valeur de l'artiste Sarah Bernhardt  

Sarah Bernhardt is a major artist of the 19th century. Today, the prices of her works are rising under the auctioneer's hammer. Her sculptures are particularly prized, especially by French buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €80 to €292,725, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to the artist's works. In 2020, a bronze entitled Autoportrait en chimère, encrier, sold for €176,260, whereas it was estimated at between €22,030 and €33,040. Its value is on the rise.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Style and technique of the artist Sarah Bernhardt  

Sarah Bernhardt produced paintings and sculptures as an amateur, alongside her main activity as an actress at the Comédie Française and elsewhere.

Sarah Bernhadt, the sacred monster

Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was born in Paris into a poor family: her mother was a milliner and her father, whom she never knew, was a notable from Le Havre who served time in prison for financial malfeasance.

She had at least three sisters, known from civil records, including one, Jeanne-Rosine, also an actress, whom her mother preferred to her as a child.

She was raised by a wet nurse, then entered a convent in Versailles, where she became a mystical Catholic. There, she played her first role in a religious show, before taking the Conservatoire competitive examination. In 1859, she was admitted to the Paris Conservatoire d'art dramatique, in Jean-Baptiste Provost's class. She entered the Comédie Française in 1862, but was dismissed shortly afterwards for slapping a member of the staff. At the same time, the morality police suspected her of clandestine protection.

The Odéon theater then offered her a contract, and her talent as an actress was recognized thanks to François Copée's play Le Passant. During the war, the Paris theater became a military hospital under her direction, where she treated Marshal Foch. She went on to play for Victor Hugo, who nicknamed her "La Voix d'Or" ("The Golden Voice"). Following these successes, she was recalled by the Comédie Française and enjoyed many more hours of fame. Bernhardt eventually created her own theater, to which she gave her name, which became a trademark.

She worked with Oscar Wilde and at the same time painted and learned modeling at the Académie Julian. She mainly made sculptures.

The actress and artist died at the age of 78, after suffering from various health problems. 

Sarah Bernhardt's imprint on her period 

During her lifetime, Sarah Bernhart was best known for her acting talents; she worked with all the great artists of her time: Jean Cocteau, Victor Hugo, Sacha Guitry... She left a considerable mark on the world of theater and cinema. Her talents as a sculptor and painter, however, were not diminished: the few works she was able to produce during her lifetime were appreciated by buyers the world over.

Recognizing the artist's signature

Sarah Bernhardt does not necessarily sign her works. Copies may exist, which is why expertise remains important.

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a work by or after Sarah Bernhardt, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.