Sarah Bernhardt

Question 1

Function

Answer 1

• The poster’s function was to advertise a banquet celebrating Sarah Bernhardt’s role in the play “La Princesse Lointaine”,
  This is shown in the bottom of the painting where there is writing containing event details in negative space.
  This functions like an advert, promoting the event and encouraging people to attend
• The poster’s function was later to be used as a postcard and in art magazines.
  It has a decorative style (inspired by Art Nouveau) including clean flat areas of colour, suitable for mass production.
  The function of the poster changed from advertising to decoration and mass appeal.

Question 2

Fitness for purpose

Answer 2

• The poster was fit for purpose as it became so popular that it was reproduced in magazines and sold in postcards.
  This was due to its beautiful and decorative style including a graceful, elegant portrait of Sarah Bernhardt, which appealed to a large audience.
  The poster was fit for its purpose as it successfully spead Sarah Bernhardt’s name and popularised Mucha’s art.
• The poster is fit for purpose as Sarah Berndhart is clearly shown in her costume with a lily tiara, making her easily recognisable.
  Her portrait is placed clearly in the centre with a large circle surrounding her head like a halo and her name in gold.
  This is fit for purpose as it grabs viewer attention and promotes her status and the event.

Question 3

Sarah Bernhardt

Answer 3

L’honneur de Sarah Bernhardt’

Question 4

Materials/Technique

Answer 4

• The poster was made using the print technique lithography.
  This can be seen in the clean flat areas of colour and the fine detail in the lines.
  This made it possible to mass produce the poster, helping it reach a wider audience and become more commercial.
• Mucha used the technique of first-hand drawing the design with intricate lines and patterns.
  This is visible in the flowing lines of Sarah Bernhardt’s hair and the ornamental shapes surrounding her.
  This precise technique gave the poster an eye-catching style that suited the Art Nouveau style and attracted viewers.

Question 5

Target market/audience

Answer 5

• The target audience of the poster was initially fans of theatre and Sarah Bernhard’s admirers.
  The aim was to promote a special banquet celebrating her role in the play “La Princesse Lointaine”. This is shown in the gold writing in the negative space at the bottom of the poster with the event details.
  This made the poster informative for Theatre/Sarah Bernhardt enthusiasts.
• The poster later broadened its audience to the general public.
  The poster was reproduced in magazines and postcards. The detailed, decorative design made it suitable for pass production and display.
  The windening audience helped promote Sarah Bernhardt’s fame and Mucha’s art.

Question 6

Style

Answer 6

• The poster is made using an Art nouveau style, which is usually highly decorative and uses flowing organic lines.
  This is seen in the curved lines of Sarah Berndhardt’s hair and the ornamental patterns surrounding her.
  These features give the design a graceful, elegant look, appealing to the audience.
• The poster also includes natural elements and beautiful women as key features, which are associated with art nouveau.
  This is shown through the flowers in her hair, and her idealised, divine appearance.
  These features help celebrate Sarah Bernhardt’s beauty and status, turning the advertisement into a piece of art.

Question 7

Visual impact

Answer 7

• Strong visual impact because of the large central portrait of Sarah Bernhardt.
  She is framed by a halo-like circle with her name in a bold gold lettering around it.
  This makes her the clear focal point grabbing the viewers attention and immediately frames her importance.
• The poster creates a visual impact through symmetry and flowing lines to lead the viewer’s eye.
  This is seen in the balanced lilies on either side of her head and her long, flowing hair leading the eye down to the event details at the bottom.
  This creates a sense of movement and unity, helping both the message and the artwork stand out clearly.

Question 8

Art Nouveau

Answer 8

Alphonse Mucha was inspired by the Art nouveau movement.
This is evident in “Sarah Berndhardt” seen in the portraits flowing hair, creating a whiplash line effect, as well as the natural motifs like the flowers in her hair adding to the decorative style of Art Nouveau.

Question 9

The arts and crafts movement

Answer 9

Alphonse Mucha was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.
This is evident in “Sara Berndhardt” as it is a work of art as well as advertising a product, however the image takes focus over the product. Mucha’s posters were displayed in the streets of Paris, making his art accessible to all.