285 - BERNHARDT (Sarah), 1844–1923.

BERNHARDT (Sarah), 1844–1923. Autograph letter signed “Sarah,” 2 pp., in-12 format, on paper with a gray border and a letterhead monogrammed with the motto “Quand même,” to her lover (and husband) Jacques Damala (1855–1889): “My beloved, I am writing you just a few lines because I woke up with my heart pounding and terrified. Are you showing my letters to [?] Something tells me so, and my caution as a woman, my caution as a lover, are stifled by this thought. On your honor as a man, tell me I’m wrong. Tell me so, I beg you, Jacques. This thought has taken hold of my mind; nothing else can get through. I am in despair!” Accompanied by its original cultural property export certificate from the Ministry of Culture. Sarah Bernhardt met the Greek diplomat Aristides (known as Jacques) Damala around 1881 and fell passionately in love with him. They became lovers, then married in London in April 1882. Their relationship was extremely tumultuous: Damala was unfaithful and addicted to morphine and cocaine, and Sarah notably tried to launch his acting career. They separated several times but remained legally married until Damala’s death in 1889. Enclosed is another autograph letter, “Sarah Bernhardt,” 2 pp. and ½ in-12 on paper with a gray border and a letterhead monogrammed with the motto ““Quand même,” with an envelope addressed to Madame Cladel (postmark Paris, September 16, 1887). In it, she apologizes for not having read the letter until that morning, having just returned from the countryside, and suggests another meeting; she looks forward to receiving the book that was promised to her on that occasion.