A Sarah Bernhardt - after Jules Bastien-Lepage

Ricardo de los Rios

It's unknown if this proof, on fine calf-skin vellum, was printed for a special edition outside of the regular Gazette des Beaux-Arts publication. Vellum experienced a resurgence in popularity in the late 19th century among private presses, due to its luminous quality and the appeal of its durability. It was expensive, however, and was usually reserved for special manuscripts and collector's editions of the time. These were often Remarque editions, including Los Rios' Sarah Bernhardt, done after Lepage. This particular impression appears to be an artist's proof, before the remarque was added to the lower margin.