19th century French oil painting of a lady and a parrot by Semenowsky

19th century French oil painting of a lady and a parrot by Semenowsky
French, 1891
Panel: Height 56cm, width 38cm
Frame: Height 68cm, width 49.5cm, width 3cm

This wonderful oil on panel is by the renowned Russian-born, Emile Eisman-Semenowsky (1857-1911), who built his career in Paris, gaining recognition for his refined portraits of upper-class women.

This enchanting painting captures a woman in a black silk gown, standing with her back to the viewer as she gazes towards a serene landscape. A soft blue and dusty pink sky bathes the scene in a tranquil glow. In the foreground, a blue fence and wooden arch, entwined with delicate pink flowers, frame the composition. An ornate birdcage hangs nearby, where her crested parrot sings to her.

Here, the contrast between the woman’s elegant evening attire and the rustic countryside suggests a deliberate harmony with her parrot—her black dress, pale skin, and striking red ribbon mirroring its distinctive colouring.

Housed in a giltwood frame, the painting is personally dedicated, signed, and dated in the lower left: ‘à mon bon ami Gaspard Jacquet / Paris 1891 / Eisman Semenowsky’.
With its soothing palette and elegant composition, this artwork would make a charming addition to a 19th-century art collection.

Artist/Maker: Emile Eisman-Semenowsky