Portrait de Réjane (1856-1920) en costume de scène

Théobald Chartran's portrait of Réjane (1856–1920) in stage costume (1888) depicts one of the greatest French actresses of the Belle Époque — Gabrielle Réju, known as Réjane — who was the leading comic and dramatic actress of her generation, often compared to Sarah Bernhardt though with a quite different temperament and range. Réjane created many of the most celebrated roles of the 1880s and 1890s, including the title role in Victorien Sardou's 'Madame Sans-Gêne,' and her theatrical personality was one of the most distinctive in French theater. Chartran's portrait captures her in the theatrical presence that made her famous. The work is in the Musée Carnavalet.

The theatrical portrait captures Réjane's celebrated stage presence and distinctive physical personality. Chartran's handling is confident, giving appropriate weight to both the actress's face — the instrument of her art — and the theatrical costume. The composition conveys theatrical energy within the conventions of formal portraiture.