[Born at Munf, in Switzerland, 1821. Still living.]
The daughter of poor Hebrew parents. In 1831, this famous actress made
her debût at the Theâtre Molière, in Paris, as Hermione in “Andromaque;”
but without giving indication of the genius she has subsequently
displayed. In 1841, she first appeared in England, and from that time
has won unbounded admiration, and maintained an undivided supremacy both
here and in France. French dramatic poetry, which ordinarily finds no
welcome in English ears, is reconciled to our taste as it falls from her
lips. Her excellence consists in the emphatic expression of deep feeling
and passion, in the thrilling effects which she is able to produce, even
by a whisper, and in her independent superiority over the traditions and
conventionalities of the stage. She is the least unnatural of French
tragedians; yet is not so natural as to be able altogether to conceal
her art. The spectator never forgets that an actress is before him; is
never carried away by an irresistible impulse. Rachel, great as she is,
is always the same, even to the motion of a garment, and the raising of
her hand. Hence, the impression made by a first representation is far
more potent than any that may follow. She lacks ideality and refinement.
Her temperament stands between her and her ability to inspire the
spectator with a perfect belief in her earnestness, and in her love of
the beautiful and good.
[Bust by Ludwig Wichmann. Plaster. 1844. The original in possession of
the artist.]