Art Nouveau Bronze Bust "Tanagra" by Emmanuel Villanis, French 1890

A striking Art Nouveau bronze bust of a young female entitled ‘Tanagra’ by Emmanuel Villanis.   Her long hair is piled on top of her head in a bun, secured with a headband, she gazes downwards. This particular model has a beautiful three-colour patina.  Titled ‘Tanagra’, Signed by E. Villanis, and stamped with unique number, this example has unfortunately lost its Societe des Bronze de Paris foundry seal, there is a small hole on the back where it should be.

Tanagra: was the Naiad Nymph of the spring, well or fountain of the town of Tanagra in Boiotia (central Greece). She was a daughter of the local river-god Asopos who was loved by the gods Hermes and Ares.

Emmanuel Villanis: (12 December 1858 - 28 August 1914) was a French sculptor. He was born in Lille, France, and died in Paris.

He studied at the Accademia Albertina in Turin, where one of his teachers was Odoardo Tabacchi. In 1885, Villanis lived in Paris and became one of the most productive sculptors towards the end of the 19th century. His female bronze busts, cast by the Society de Bronze de Paris, were exported all over the world from Paris, particularly to the United States. Today his sculptures can be found regularly at auctions

French, Circa 1890

Condition report: Excellent Condition

Dimensions:   41 Cms Height x 22 Width x 17 Depth