Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust of a Woman Signed E. Villanis

Description

French late 19th-early 20th century highly decorative polychrome bronze statue of a young woman with chiseled features wearing a low … more French late 19th-early 20th century highly decorative polychrome bronze statue of a young woman with chiseled features wearing a low bodice.
The Art Nouveau bust entitled “Frinette” was sculpted by Emmanuel Villanis from a live model.
Villanis, a prolific sculptor, cherished his models and often used the same "femme" in his various works.
Realistically rendered in a strikingly seductive yet casual and innocent pose, she dons a large bonnet with ribbons and bows and is beautifully viewed from every angle. Her long flowing hair and hat depicted as blown by the wind appears architecturally sculpted.
The bronze is signed by the artist, E. Villanis, (1858-1914)
It is stamped with the foundry mark seal and is also stamped "Tiffany & Company".
Imported and sold by Tiffany & Co. at the turn of the century.
This sculpture of a girl shown with a hat is a very rare model. Tiffany only chose unique and specialized pieces for its flagship shops to sell to its discerning clientele.

Literature:
Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs by E. Benezit
Les bronzes de XIXe sie'cle by Pierre Kjellberg, Les editions des amateurs.
Emmanuel Villanis, un sculpteur Art Nouveau by Pascal Launay
Bronze Sculptors & Founders- Berman's Abage Encyclopedia 1800-1930.

weighs @ 50 lbs.
base footprint 5 3/8" deep x 5 7/8 " wide less