Sculpture - Sapho , Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914) - Bronze

Bronze proof , representing the lyrical poetess of Ancient Greece "Sapho", playing her mythical instrument "the lyre" , by the sculptor Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914) .
Sapho embodies a figure of freedom and passion , her name remains associated with the celebration of love and beauty , making her a timeless literary and feminine icon . 
Recognized for the lyrical beauty of her verses , she is one of the first authors to express the intensity of romantic feelings in her poems. 
Emmanuel Villanis excels in the art of portraiture , his sculpture is emblematic of Art Nouveau , as much by the subjects evoked , as by the fluid forms and the expressions marked by sensitivity .
Signature of the sculptor "E.Villanis" in hollow , on the naturalist terrace .
Circular stamp of the founder "Société des bronzes de Paris" (Paris Bronze Society) , on the back of the sculpture .
Antique edition sculpture , early 20th century , Art Nouveau .
Very good state of conservation and patina .

Dimensions : 72 cm x 25 cm x 17.5 cm

Emmanuel Villanis (1858 - 1914) 

French sculptor linked to the Art Nouveau movement .
He comes from a family of Italian origin .
In 1871, the young man enrolled at the Albertina Academy of Fine Arts , in Turin ; there he followed the teaching of the sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi .
As soon as he finished his studies , his master encouraged him to exhibit : his "Alda" bust was presented in Milan in 1881 .
He fled Italy because of the War of Independence .

In 1885 , Villanis moved to Montmartre , a district of Paris that he never left .
The fame of the artist is built on his production of female figures . 
Aida , Judith , Delilah , Lucrece , Cinderella : the work of Emmanuel Villanis brings together the great heroines of opera , literature , mythology and the Bible .

Villanis also discusses certain types—the Gypsy , the Châtelaine , or even the Parisian —and several allegories , including Painting and Sculpture . Produced mainly in bronze , sometimes chryselephantine , Villanis' sculptures bear the lettering of the title that regularly adorns the plinth . 
His play on the patina adds even more finesse to the line , making Emmanuel Villanis one of the major sculptors of Art Nouveau . 

E . Villanis participated in the Universal Exhibition of 1889 in Paris , and that of Chicago in 1893 .

Ref: TJR3TOR7TO