Emmanuel Villanis, French Art Nouveau Cinderella Bust, 1900, Bronze

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Description

A finely modelled french art nouveau bronze bust of "cendrillon" by emmanuel villanis, france, circa 1900. This compact patinated bronze … Read more A finely modelled french art nouveau bronze bust of "cendrillon" by emmanuel villanis, france, circa 1900. This compact patinated bronze depicts the romantic heroine cinderella as a young woman with an introspective expression, her head turned gently to one side beneath a closely gathered headscarf. The sculpture is signed "e. Villanis" in the cast along the shoulder and titled "cendrillon" in relief across the front of the integral architectural socle.

emmanuel villanis was one of the defining sculptors of the belle époque, best known for his graceful female busts inspired by literature, mythology, opera and romantic heroines. In this model, he gives the subject a composed, almost private presence. The smooth modelling of the face, neck and décolletage contrasts with the animated folds of the blouse, the layered scarf and the bow at the nape of the neck. From the side, the headscarf and gathered hair create a particularly sculptural silhouette, while the rear is treated with the same attention to drapery and texture as the front.

the dark brown patina has softened over time, revealing warmer bronze highlights to the raised folds of the scarf, the shoulder, the title and the edges of the base. These variations give the bronze a naturally aged surface and make the modelling legible even at its small cabinet scale. The tapered socle, with its castellated decorative border, gives the bust a finished and architectural presence on a shelf, mantle or desk.

at 15 cm high, this period french bronze is especially suited to a library, dressing room, bedroom, salon, entrance hall or curated display of art nouveau decorative arts. It sits naturally in a belle époque, parisian apartment or neoclassical interior, but also works beautifully in a collected contemporary setting where a small historic bronze can introduce depth and material richness. A complementary bronze bust by emmanuel villanis is available separately; please enquire for further information.

good antique condition, with wear consistent with age and use. There is age-related rubbing and patina wear to raised areas, particularly to the headscarf, drapery, title and edges of the socle. No obvious repairs or restorations are visible in the supplied photographs. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
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