Sarah Bernhardt - Virulent Letter About Baudelaire's Muse, Madame Sabatier. 1879

Autograph letter signed from Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) about Apollonie Sabatier (1822-1890)

Three pages in-8. Paris, 41 avenue de Villiers. 1879

Size: 12.8 x 19.8 cm deployed - Leaflet: 12.8 x 10 cm

Very amusing letter revealing the strong enmity between Sarah Bernhardt and the famous salonnière and muse of many artists, Apollonie Sabatier, nicknamed la Présidente.She was one of the three women (along with Jeanne Duval and Marie Daubrun) who inspired Charles Baudelaire to write some of his finest poems. In fact, a "Madame Sabatier" cycle can be distinguished within theFleurs du mal. Among other things, Baudelaire wrote for her Harmonie du soir.

Already infinitely famous at the time of our letter, Sarah Bernhardt reproached Madame Sabatier for backbiting on her account, which she attributed to the latter's jealousy and a need for publicity.

In 1879, Sarah Bernhardt was the absolute star of the Comédie-Française, but she was also a free woman who unleashed passions and criticism. She lived in her magnificent mansion at 41 avenue de Villiers, the district of painters and celebrities.

For her part, Apollonie Sabatier was in decline. Her famous literary salon was losing its lustre, and she seemed to harbour a certain bitterness towards the new generation of female celebrities, particularly Sarah Bernhardt, whom she no doubt considered too eccentric or "scandalous".

Noticeable on the paper's letterhead is Sarah Bernhardt's famous seal made up of her initials S.B. with the banner bearing the motto "Quand même" (Even so) surmounted by a tragic mask with sword and marotte symbolizing the theater.

"Monsieur,

I am very grateful for the regrets you express for the unjust grief you have caused me.

Madame Sabatier continues her indecent slander.... Letters filled with crude insults that we refuse to read... tissues of lies.

I think Madame Sabatier wants to appeal to the celebrity that the newspapers are denying her. It's all very annoying. I would be most obliged to you Sir if Madame Sabatier also sent you a letter against me to kindly forward it to me.

Thank you and regrets for bothering you so much.

Sarah Bernhardt

41 avenue de Villiers."

In illustration (not supplied) photographs of Sarah Bernhardt at the time of our letter in 1879 and portrait of Madame Sabatier by Vincent Vidal (circa 1850).