The Indianapolis journal., 1896-04-06
Bernhardt's Head AnaIyned.

1t was long ago concluded by the critical
theatergoer that Nine. Sarah Bernhardt is a
consummate actress. phenomenal artist
genius-with a personality most charm
ing and unique. II becomes OF interest
then, to know the chronological estimate
of the specific physical and mental quail
ties which have determined her wonderful
career.
A Boston phrenologist writing Of Mime.
Bernhardt says: At the start it may be
said OF the groundwork OF her character
that 1t would be difficult to find a more
feminine woman. She also possesses many
elements Of femininity IN a very exagger-
ated form. This Is supposed to explain her
genius as an artist. Masculinity is ex-
pressed in angles, femininity in curves.
The male mentally is positive, mathemat-
tcai. scientific. exact; the female mind is
more indefinite. suggestive, dntuitive. ideal
istic. emotional. Hence, we expect to find a
great deal of artistic instinct in women
and a great deal OF femininity in artists.
figures. yielding or elastic fiber. and a
supersensftive condition Of the brain and
the entire nervous system.
Although the artistic principle may in
here in people OF dark complexion, hair and
eyes, when We think Of the most typically
artistic temperament we think first of
French tragedienne, Sarah Bernhardt. She
Is most pronounced blonde with very
white skin. light golden hair and blue eyes.
Her hand is an interesting study. 1t is
very symmetrical. velvety and flexible, and
free from any suggestion of attenuation,
such as the public has been accustomed
10 associate with the figure Of an actress
The joints of the fingers have the smooth
ness which denotes lack of order, the
tendency TO be governed by impressions
rather than reason. and many other quail
rites characteristic of poets, singers and
actors 4a
uar tan,nor,r,ox. ,.-~,.,,s .o.-.. -,
OF the so-called .snervous'' type because OF
the rare activity and potency of her BRAIN
IL Is difficult to think. of her as having
bones and muscles. To observe the SER
pentine grace Of her movements one might
anzls admoSt ~ faney = that her vertebrae were COM
The principal signs of this temperament
are delicate white skin. sharp features.
er face, broad forehead. with fine, auburn
golden. or very light brown hair. The most
portion between the forehead and the low
er part OF the face. 1t may be distinguished
also by teeth relatively long. or pointed.
snarp edged, pearl blue, or very white and
inclined to translucency.
In the case OF Bernhardt, however. It is
shown In the hair and eyes and in the ex-
ganization, rather than in any structural
TIE mental characteristics of the nervous
temperament are chiefly preiominance of
sentiment over reason, extreme sensibility,
electrical emotions; impatienee, easily
out logic, Imagination. inaccuracy in esti-
mating motives. but with abundant wit.
fondness for music and the capacity for a
high degree of culture on the lines. itera-
ture, art and religion. It's conspicuous vir-
tues are exquisite idealism. beauty OF char
erary and artistic taste. These qualities.
with POSSIBLY one or two exceptions. are
peesssessst es by Sarah Bernhardt in remark
eccentr1cities, and although we dare not be-
heve all that Is said Of her. IL is not un-
snakes. or have indulged in Occasional sies-
tas in her coffin. ~
Her brain Is more remarkable for activity
tnan size, although IL is also above the av-
erage in volume. Her head measures iwen-
ty-one and three-fourths inches in c.rcunl-
ference and the crown is unusually high.
Sne has strong social feeling, though not
the most constant attachments for people to
whom she is not bound by ties of blood.
Her love Is ardent, but far from being a
dominant element. and her eyelIds are rsther
nat for a nigh order OF eonjugal fdelity-so
the phrenoogist says she once. told a friend
ways been chase after rainbow.
Pernaps this Is one or the penalties of ge-
Mus. But she has one form OF affection
which is very characteristic of artists. She
II exceedingly devoted a mother. Her top
head on line with the ear Is very hish
her temperament. wiiIfuiness and pre- prohsbIy ably
ooStinacy. She resists opposition In any
form. but allows her own forces 20 scatter
.~ctt - ~4tt e-tr@1t tctAt o l4Oln ttlt HtiQ.
Her energy and executive force are largely
due 70 the faculty OF courage. She has little.
tf any, sense OF fear. The prominent bridge
or her nose, well as the diameter OF her
head. yopches for her combativeness and her
love OF adventure.
Her head Is very narrow at the seat of the
boarding mpuise. She makes money to spead
It. not 10 keep H. OF ecoDomy as an instinct
sha has almost no conception. Approbat tive
ness In this woman affords good material and
phrenoiogical history. for there could scarce
~ be greater endowment OF u In a sare
human being. IL Is revealed In the con-
frmed habit she has Of raising her. upper lin.
To say sne Is ambitious expresses but fees
bly, the intensity OF her desire TO succeed.