By Emmanuel Villanis
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
A finely modelled French Art Nouveau patinated bronze bust titled "Cendrillon" (Cinderella), after a model by Emmanuel Villanis (1858–1914), circa 1900. The bust is signed "E. Villanis" in the cast along the shoulder and titled "Cendrillon" in relief across the front of the integral architectural socle.
The sculpture
Villanis shows the fairy-tale heroine as a young woman with an introspective expression, her head turned gently to one side beneath a closely gathered headscarf. The smooth modelling of the face, neck and décolletage contrasts with the lively folds of the blouse, the layered scarf and the bow at the nape of the neck. From the side, the headscarf and gathered hair form a particularly sculptural silhouette, and the back is treated with the same attention to drapery and texture as the front. The tapered socle with its castellated decorative border gives the bust a finished, architectural presence. The dark brown patina has softened over time, revealing warmer bronze highlights on the raised folds, the shoulder, the title and the edges of the base.
About the artist
Emmanuel Villanis was a French sculptor who worked in Paris and became known for his graceful Belle Époque busts of women, often named after heroines from literature, mythology and opera. His models remain popular with collectors of French decorative arts.
Condition
Good antique condition, with age-related rubbing and patina wear to raised areas, particularly the headscarf, drapery, title and socle edges. No obvious repairs or restorations visible. Please see the photos for details.
Dimensions: height 15 cm, width 9 cm, depth 6 cm.
Display
At 15 cm high, this cabinet-scale bronze is lovely in a library, dressing room, bedroom, salon or entrance hall, on a mantelpiece or desk, or in a display of Art Nouveau decorative arts. It suits a Belle Époque, Parisian or neoclassical interior and works equally well in a collected contemporary setting, where a small historic bronze adds depth and material richness. A companion bust by Villanis, "Carmen", is available in a separate listing in our storefront.
Keywords: Emmanuel Villanis, Villanis bronze...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Emmanuel Fremiet Decorative Objects