Adrian Henri Vital Van Emelen 1868-1943 Portrait Painting in Oils Of a Man With Parrot

Adrian Henri van Emelen (1868–1943) – Portrait of a Man with Parrot, 1938

Original Oil Painting | Antique Ornate Frame | Signed Work

Bring home a rare and captivating piece of art history with this original oil painting by Adrian Henri van Emelen (1868–1949), a renowned Belgian artist celebrated for his finely detailed portraits, genre scenes, and expressive studies.

This intimate portrait, dated 1938, depicts a striking figure of a man holding a vibrant green parrot, rendered with van Emelen’s signature attention to character and atmosphere. The sitter’s direct gaze and the bird’s colorful plumage create a powerful composition that bridges realism with emotional depth.

The painting remains in its original ornate gilt frame, beautifully carved with scrolling floral motifs that enhance its museum-quality presentation.

Details

• Artist: Adrian Henri van Emelen (1868–1949)
• Title: Portrait of a Man with Parrot
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Date: 1938 (exhibition label fragment verso)
• Signature: Signed lower right, Ad. H. van Emelen
• Painting Size: 12 x 8 inches (30 x 20 cm)
• Framed Size: 16 x 12 inches (40 x 30 cm)
• Frame: Original ornate giltwood frame with floral and scroll detailing

Artist Bio – Adrian Henri van Emelen (1868–1943)

Adrian Henri van Emelen was a Belgian painter, sculptor, and designer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Trained in the traditions of academic realism, van Emelen developed a reputation for his portraiture and genre painting, where he combined technical mastery with a deep sensitivity to his subjects.

His work often reflects both European and colonial influences, as he spent part of his career in Central Africa documenting local life and culture. Paintings by van Emelen have appeared in exhibitions throughout Europe and remain sought after by collectors for their historical and artistic significance.

Why Collect This Painting?

• Signed original oil painting by a listed Belgian artist
• Exhibition provenance (label fragment verso, dated 1938)
• Rich subject matter: portrait and parrot with vibrant detail
• Original ornate antique frame adds decorative and collector value
• Perfect for collectors of European fine art, portraiture, and colonial-era works