Louise Abbéma trained under Louis Devedeux, Charles Chaplin, Jean-Jacques Henner and Carolus-Duran. She exhibited regularly at the Salon des Artistes Français between 1874 and 1926, participated in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and received several distinctions, including a silver medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle and the Legion of Honour in 1906.

Her encounter with Sarah Bernhardt in 1871 profoundly shaped both her personal and artistic life. Their romantic relationship and creative collaboration continued until the actress’s death in 1923. Abbéma achieved her first major success with a portrait of Bernhardt exhibited at the 1876 Salon.

A prominent figure in Parisian society, Abbéma produced numerous portraits of actresses, public figures and members of high society. Her work also encompassed landscapes, decorative panels, posters, prints, book illustrations and fans. Her rapid, delicate brushwork drew on academic painting, Impressionism, Manet and Japanese art. She also created major decorative works for public buildings. Despite the recognition she received during her lifetime, no monographic exhibition has been devoted to her since her death.