Femme Mime

This 19th-century oil painting on wood panel is from the atelier of Normandy painter Emile Tremblay (1855-1935). The piece is monogrammed in the lower left corner and features the atelier's stamp on the reverse.

This unique vertical oil painting on wood appears to be a study of a woman in a pose suggestive of theater acting or miming. The barefoot woman, dressed in white, stands with her hands raised and eyes closed. The lighting enhances the theatrical impression, although it could also indicate studio modeling. The dark background, with its blocks of green and blue, creates an experimental scene suspended between the recognizable and the fantastical. The technique is exquisite, and the painting is filled with light and drama.

Emile Tremblay is an artist with no available biography online. However, through extensive research of old archives and letters, we have uncovered some context about his closest associates. Emile had a brother, Louis Tremblay, who was a published poet, author, and painter. Emile was also a dear friend of the famous Swedish artist, art critic, and museum manager Richard Bergh (1858-1919), to whom he inscribed a painting with the dedication, "To my brother Bergh." The remainder of what we know about Emile Tremblay comes solely from his exquisite atelier works.

• Overall Size: 14.1" x 8.6" / 36.5cm x 22.5cm.
  
• Country: France.
  
• Provenance: Atelier Tremblay (Normandy). 
• Signed: Monogrammed and bearing the studio's stamp on the back. 
• Date: Late 19th century or Early 20th century.
• Materials: Oil on wood panel. 
• Texture: The surface of the piece presents a slight texture to the touch. 
• Condition: The wood has a splintered lower right hand corner and some marks from age. Overall good condition.
  
• Shipping: This painting includes free shipping. An additional fee is applied for Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.