Crescentia, Countess Zichy Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller (1793-1865)

The portrait presents a woman in a formal pose, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a measured composure. She is positioned against a backdrop of lush foliage and distant mountain peaks, suggesting a connection to nature while simultaneously maintaining a sense of distance and refinement. The artist has rendered her skin with meticulous attention to detail, capturing subtle nuances of light and shadow that convey both softness and an underlying firmness.
Her attire consists of a white gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves, the fabric delicately draped to accentuate her form. A vibrant blue shawl is casually arranged over one shoulder, introducing a contrasting color element and hinting at luxury. The presence of jewelry – a substantial bracelet on her wrist and a ring on her finger – further reinforces this impression of wealth and status.
A parrot perches near her right side, nestled amongst a cluster of flowers in an ornate gilded cage. This inclusion is significant; parrots were frequently employed as symbols of exoticism, intelligence, and the ability to mimic human speech – attributes often associated with aristocratic women during the period. The bird’s bright plumage provides a visual counterpoint to the womans pale complexion and white dress, drawing attention to its presence while also potentially alluding to her own cultivated intellect and social grace.
The landscape behind her is rendered in a somewhat idealized manner, suggesting an emotional distance from the natural world rather than a deep engagement with it. The mountains appear majestic but are softened by atmospheric perspective, preventing them from dominating the composition. This reinforces the woman’s central position as the focal point of the portrait.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of status, refinement, and cultivated femininity. It is likely intended to project an image of a woman who possesses both beauty and intelligence, belonging to a privileged social class while maintaining a dignified composure. The parrot serves not merely as decorative element but as a symbolic marker of her sophistication and worldly knowledge.