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

A bronze sculpture depicting the ancient Greek lyric poet "Sapho" , playing her mythical instrument, the lyre by the sculptor Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914) .
Sappho embodies freedom and passion , her name remains associated with the celebration of love and beauty , making her a timeless literary and feminine icon .
Renowned for the lyrical beauty of her verses , she was one of the first female authors to express the intensity of romantic feelings in her poems .
Emmanuel Villanis excelled in portraiture , and his sculpture is emblematic of Art Nouveau , both in its subject matter and in its fluid forms and sensitive expressions .
The sculptor built his reputation on his production of female subjects .
The sculptor's signature , "E. Villanis" is incised on the naturalistic base .
The foundry's circular stamp , "Société des bronzes de Paris" (Paris Bronze Society) on the back of the sculpture .
Early edition sculpture , early 20th century , Art Nouveau .
Very good condition and patina .

Dimensions : 72 cm x 25 cm x 17.5 cm

Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914)

Emmanuel Villanis was a famous sculptor from a family of Italian origin .
He is recognized as one of the leading figures of the Art Nouveau period .

In 1871 , the young man enrolled at the Albertina Academy of Fine Arts in Turin .
He studied under the sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi .
Upon completing his studies, his teacher encouraged him to exhibit : his bust "Alda" was thus presented in Milan in 1881 .
He fled Italy because of the War of Independence .

In 1885 , Emmanuel Villanis settled in Montmartre , a district of Paris he never left .
The artist's renown was built on his production of female figures : "Aida" , "Judith" , "Sappho" , "Delilah" , "Lucretia" , "Cinderella" .
Villanis's work brings together the great heroines of opera , literature , mythology , and the Bible .
He also explored certain types : the Bohemian woman , the Chatelaine , and the Parisian woman  .
Several allegories , including "Painting" and "Sculpture" .
Made primarily in bronze , sometimes chryselephantine , Villanis's sculptures bear the title lettering , which regularly adorns the base .
His use of patinas further enhances the finesse of his lines , making Emmanuel Villanis one of the major sculptors of Art Nouveau .

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