BERNHARDT SARAH: (1844-1923) French stage Actress. The most prominent actress of her time. A.L.S., Sarah Bernhardt Damala, two pages, written to the first and third page, 12mo, n.p., n.d., in French. The document bears to the heading her attractive embossed monogram with her initials and the motto ''Quand Meme''. Bernhardt, in her usual very difficult writing states in part `Ma charmante Dame. Je ne suis point coupable car j´ai….´ (Translation: `My charming lady. I am not at all guilty because I…´), and further suggests to meet her correspondent `…demain à l´heure qu´il vous plaira..´ (Translation: `…tomorrow at any time it will suit you…´ Accompanied by the original envelope also bearing her printed monogram. G to VG    

 

Sarah Bernhardt signs adding her husband surname Damala. She married Aristides Damala, also known by his stage name Jacques Damala, a Greek military officer who turned into actor. The marriage last very short time. Damala was since the very first day unfaithful, and despite the humiliations she endured, giving money to Damala so as to pay his drugs, mistresses and debts to prostitutes, and despite that the fact her husband's infidelity had been a common topic for gossip, becoming the object of criticism and even satire for press, she did not divorce him until her husband, eleven years younger than her, passed away at the early age of 34.