In 1875, Louise Abbema met the star actress Sarah Bernhardt. She spotted the actress two years ago and has been enchanted by her beauty since. Her work focused on everyday life, but after Bernadt’s appearance, it quickly shifted to portraits of her. This painting is a part of a private collection. Here we see Abbema use the Belle Époque style impressively, often characterized by a more spontaneous appearance with quick, light brushstrokes and vibrant colors. It is argued and assumed that Louise Abbema and Sarah Bernhardt had an intimate relationship and were possibly lovers. But regardless of whether that is true, Abbema portrayed her with care and love, be it in friendship or otherwise. She portrayed Bernhardt as she is often referred to: divine. Her curly red locks, light eyes, and sharp features often caught many eyes. Her docility is one of many things about her. She was eccentric and a lover of animals. And she shared the amicability that Louise Abbema had for her. They cast their hands, held together in bronze, and wished to keep the memory of their relationship alive while showing that they were both smart businesswomen and artists who were no less than men.

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