Louise Abb幦a (30 October 1858 - 1927) was a French impressionist painter and designer, born in Etampes. Abb幦a began painting in her early teens. She first received recognition for her work at 18 when she painted a portrait of Sarah Bernhardt, her life-long friend and, many believe, her lesbian lover. Among the many honors conferred upon Abb幦a was nomination as official painter of the Third Republic. She was also awarded a bronze medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle and in 1906 was inducted into the L嶲ion d'Honneur. 固opFoto