Portrait of Mako (Mariam) Sapharova-Abashidze, as character of Ophelia. Painted by Aleksander Beridze

Mako Sapharova-Abashidze was one of the first Georgian woman actresses at the beginning of 20 century. While playing on stage she lost her hearing and had to leave theatre. But on 22 January 1912, she charmed the audience once again by singing and playing different characters in a single act. Fascinated by her professionalism a painter Aleksander Beridze returned at home and painted her portrait in one night.