Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Eleonora Duse
John Singer Sargent American
Not on view
Known as "La Duse," the actor Eleonora Duse (1859–1924) was born at Vigevano in northern Italy to a family of strolling players. She established herself as a leading actor in Naples and went on to find international stardom, playing romantic and realist roles across Europe and America.
Duse came to London for the season of 1893 with her own company. She appeared in a variety of roles, including that of Princess Fédora in Victorien Sardou’s play Fédora. Sargent was among the audience on the opening night. He managed to persuade Duse to pose for him, but for barely an hour. In that brief sitting he was able to capture the essence of Duse’s strange and enigmatic personality and her charismatic stage presence.
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