Sybil Sanderson

c. 1906

9 3/8 x 11 1/2 in /
22.9 x 27.9 cm

Edition of approximately 400 impressions
Printed in grey-black beige wove paper
Published in the series Trieze Lithographies as well as in the portfolio Portraits d'Acteurs & d'Actrices
 
Unlike most actresses during the Belle Époque, Sybil Sanderson (1865-1903) came from a surprisingly wealthy American family. Using money left to her by her father, she and her mother moved to Paris and instantly became part of the socialite scene. She proved to be such a gifted singer that her interests quickly fell toward performing opera professionally. Now a well-known talent, she caught the eye of the composer Jules Massenet, and began starring in the premieres of nearly all his operas-Manon and Esclarmonde being his most enduring works. Here she is shown by Lautrec in front of a theatrical backdrop, possibly a reference to one of her lesser-known stage roles.

References: Wittrock 257, Adriani 261