Emile EISMAN-SEMENOWSKY [1857-1911], Young lady in a fur coat

Despite the rich artistic legacy of Emil Eisman-Semenowsky, little is known about his life. He was born in 1857, most likely in Poland. He came from a family with Jewish roots, but questions about where he lived and was educated remain unanswered. We know that he chose not to study painting either in Warsaw or Krakow. In the 1880s he lived for a long time in Paris and most of his works come from this period. The fact that he did not become more closely associated with the Polish community in France, nor with any of the studios of established French artists, allows us to assume that he was primarily self-taught. The number and high level of works indicate that he most likely had his own studio. He was inspired by Oriental painting and subject matter, very popular in the 19th century. He painted innumerable portraits and genre scenes in ancient and oriental styles, however, treating their conformity to historical costume quite casually. His paintings had many supporters among the Parisian bourgeoisie as well as visitors. Many were purchased by collectors from the United States.