Lucréce

'Lucréce' an Art Nouveau Bronze bust by Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914). Modelled as a young Lucréce with unkept hair, wearing a diadem with a loose fitted shawl draped around her shoulders. Signed 'E Villanis' to left shoulder with the "societies des Bronzes de Paris' foundry stamp to back of base. 

Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914) was a French sculptor of Italian descent, best known for his elegant and delicate portrait busts of women. Born in Lille, France, he began his artistic training in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts under the guidance of Augustin-Alexandre Dumont and Jean-Marie Bonnassieux. Villanis specialized in the Art Nouveau style and was heavily influenced by the work of Jules Dalou, a prominent French sculptor. His sculptures often portrayed beautiful, idealised women with flowing hair and graceful features, and were characterised by a sense of harmony and balance. He was skilled at capturing the essence of his subjects, conveying their personalities and emotions through his work.Throughout his career, Villanis received numerous commissions for portrait busts and statuettes, which were highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of the decorative arts. He exhibited his work at the Paris Salon, the Société des Artistes Français, and the Exposition Universelle, where he received several awards and medals.

Dimensions: H 37cm W 10cm D 9cm 

Origin: French

Date: Circa 1890

Item Number: 1412221