catalog text
EMMANUEL VILLANIS [after]
French, fl. 1880-1920
"Cendrillon" (Cinderella)
Lost-wax patinated bronze | signed in cast on left of socle "E. Villanis", titled to integral socle in raised relief "Cendrillon" | cast circa 1930-50
Item # 212PVG15A
A charming bust of a young maiden entitled Cendrillon (Cinderella), it is executed in the lost-wax method in a single piece with an integral socle that is titled in raised relief. The young woman is serious in her composure with a quiet strength, her eyes slightly downcast in the clothing of a common girl, her diaphonous garment sliding off one shoulder while the overall sculpture remains chaste and elusive. The surface is finished in a two-toned patina, the reddish-oxide surface being utilized for the flesh tones and a darker brown for the base and garments. Casting from the second quarter of the 20th century.
ARTIST
Born in Lille, France, little is known about the life of Emmanuel Villanis, despite the fact that he has a simply incredible level of output during the years of 1880-1920. First exhibiting at Salon in 1886, he went on to exhibit nearly five-hundred models, almost exclusively featuring the female form with strong influence of the Art Nouveau movement evident in every aspect of his work. He received honorable mention at the 1889 Exposition Universelle, Paris.
Artist Listings & Bibliography:
- Emmanuel Villanis, Josje Hortulanus-de Mik, 2002
- Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century, Dictionary of Sculptors, Kjellberg, p. 641-644
- Art Bronzes, Forrest, p. 484
- Bronzes: Sculptors and Founders, Vol I, Vol III, Berman, p. 67, p. 976-77
Measurements: 15" H x 4 1/4" D (base) x 10" W
Condition Report:
Light wear to original patina in a few areas, including the relieving of tips of her head wrap and raised hairs. Some speckling and trace pitting to the socle and the garment in a few areas. Overall a fine presentation.