Georges Jules Victor Clairin (1843
1919) was a French painter and illustrator. Born in Paris, he later died in Clohars-Carnoët. Clairin established himself as an Orientalist painter, drawing inspiration from Eastern imagery and Moorish architecture.
Clairin frequently traveled to North Africa, visiting Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt, which informed his genre, historical, and portraiture work. In Paris, he led a socialite life and maintained a close, 50-year friendship with actress Sarah Bernhardt. He produced numerous 'in costume' and informal portraits of her, including works such as Sarah Bernhardt Reclining on a Divan, Reading (c. 1885
1890) and Sarah Bernhardt (ca. late 19th century).
