A very fine late 19th Century French bronze bust of an attractive classical maiden modelled in the Art Nouveau style, with fabulous variegating green,brown and deep red colour and excellent hand finished detail. Signed E Villanis, with Societe des Bronzes foundry seal, numbered and with raised title to the fore.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Height: 55 cm
Condition: Excellent Condition
Circa: 1890
Materials: Bronze
SKU: 4633
ABOUT
Emmanuel Villanis was an industrious man. He is believed to have created some 200 to 250 pieces. His oeuvre pre-eminently consisted of busts and full body statues. Most of these were manufactured in bronze, but there are also models in white metal and terra cotta. Different patinas were used. The bronzes were mainly cast by the Societé de Bronzes de Paris and can be recognised by the round stamp (cachet) at the back of the statue. In addition, reliefs, vases, lamps, clocks and ink stands are recorded . Vases and lamps were mostly made of tin, and there are also marble statues. Pieces in which ivory is used are as rare as silver statues.
Villanis was inspired by women. He dedicated almost his complete works to them. One model in particular was portrayed many times by him. His portrayals of children may be less known, but are nevertheless wonderfully done. His statues are always in perfect proportion and are full of expression: dreamy-eyed, happy, sirene, indifferent, cheeky, serious, sad, detached, melancholy.
His style can always be recognised by his use of hollowed out eyeballs. The name of the statue can usually be found on the base in scrolled script and the signature of Emmanuel Villanis is always visible and legible.
Villanis's busts with arms are rare. So far, only nine of these are recorded:
Rebecca aux Puits - Adeline Patti - Aimée - Bonjour - Captive - Fille d'Eve - Ophélie - Jeune fille se chache les oreilles dans les mains and Garcon joue de la flute.
To view more sculptures by Emmanuel Villanis please click here.
