Mademoiselle Hortense Rhea (September 4, 1844 – May 5, 1899) was a Belgium-born French actress whose popularity extended to the Russian Empire and later the United States of America. The charm of her accent, as well as her beguiling smile, would help endear her to her audiences. Orphaned at an early age, then raised in a convent, Rhea would later be accepted to study at the Conservatoire de Paris. From there, her career would take her to far-flung climes an orphaned child of the era would normally only read about.
Perhaps it is the hat playful perched on her head and baton resting on her shoulder that brings to mind images of a mischievous ringmistress preparing to interact with us, her audience. Rhea stands resting her left elbow and knee on a hardwood chair. In her hands, she holds a beribboned baton behind her neck. Rhea looks striking in striped underpinnings secured by shoulder straps under a pannier corset embellished with flowers and lace. She completes the costume with silk embroidered shorts, satin heels. a single bangle bracelet and a gold ring. Another element of whimsy is added by a diminutive cat sharing the chair with Rhea.