Idealized Portrait Of Mademoiselle Rachel Félix (1821–1858)

Mixed media on brown paper.
France, second half of the 19th century

This drawing depicts the iconic face of the renowned tragedienne Rachel Félix, widely known as Mademoiselle Rachel, a dominant figure on the French theatrical stage between the 1830s and 1850s. Her features, here rendered in an idealized manner, reflect both classical beauty and the dramatic intensity that made her a symbol of Romantic theatre.

The composition is based on a lithograph by Julien, after a painting attributed to Léopold Robert or Édouard Dubufe, titled “Rachel – Étude No. 2”. The image of the braided-haired young woman, with downcast eyes and a contemplative expression, was widely circulated as a visual tribute to the actress, portraying her as both a neoclassical muse and a modern icon of the stage.

The drawing is notable for its refined linework and soft chiaroscuro, which subtly model the volumes. The three-quarter pose and introspective gaze evoke the emotional depth associated with Rachel’s most celebrated roles, from Phèdre to Andromaque.

Some creases and signs of age are present but do not diminish the overall visual impact. The sheet is mounted on a neutral mat, ready to be framed.