Sarah Bernhardt as Melisande

Paul Berthon

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a portrait of a woman from the shoulders up. She has delicate facial features, light eyes, a straight nose, and slightly parted lips. Her hair is auburn and voluminous, framing her face. She wears a garment with a patterned neckline against a textured brown background. Large pink flowers with intricate petals and green leaves surround her. The background is warm and golden-brown with floral and leafy motifs.