Art Nouveau Female Bust with Vine Leaves, Early 20th Century

Hand carved marble bust of a woman with vine leaves in her curly hair and loosely falling clothes. The bust shows signs of weathering and has a slightly w...

Marble sculpture representing the personification of Autumn as a young woman dressed in a bodice, with vine leaves at her feet—a classical symbol of harvest and maturity. Finely carv...

Art Nouveau Bust of a Lady, after Alfred Foretay This is an Art Nouveau hard plaster Bust of a Lady after Alfred Jean Foretay (Swiss, 1861-1944), a very attractive 3 dimensional pie...

A very fine late 19th century French bronze bust of an attractive classical maiden modelled in the Art Nouveau style, with fabulous multi hued patination of brown and a subtle green, accentuating the excellent hand finished detail. Signed E Villanis, with Societe des Bronzes foundry seal, numbered and with raised title to the fore. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: 28 cm Width: 16 cm Depth: 10 cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition circa: 1890 Materials: Bronze Book Ref: Emmanuel Villanis by Josje Hortulanus-de Mik Page No: 79 SKU: 8775 ABOUT Sylvia Ballet - Silvia Sylvia, (the spelling is different in french) is a classical ballet. It features a nondescript mythical setting and a late nineteenth-century score, in which it's themes correlate to giving it a more classical feel, however, it was quite revolutionary for its time. The score was and still is recognized for its greatness. Delibes' work is certainly the best appreciated aspect of the ballet for its innovation, creativity, and maturity. Frederick Ashton's choreography complements the music very well in this respect, staying true to the spirit of the original production while incorporating modern techniques and adding his own unique touch. The ballet itself follows Sylvia who is a loyal follower of Diana (the goddess of the hunting and chassitity). The story starts with Sylvia being stalked by the diety Eros. When she discovers this they fire their bows at each other respectively. However only Eros's shot is true and wounds Sylvia. This is where she is kidnapped by an unknown assailant later revealed to be Orion. Sylvia escapes the caves of Orion by getting her captor intoxicated and pleading to Eros to rescue her. When he begrudgingly rescues her he takes her to the temple of Diana where her love awaits. This leads her to repeal her oath of Chassity taken as a follower of Diana. Emmanuel Villanis Emmanuel Villanis was an industrious man. He is believed to have created some 200 to 250 pieces. His oeuvre pre-eminently consisted of busts and full body statues. Most of these were manufactured in bronze, but there are also models in white metal and terra cotta. Different patinas were used. The bronzes were mainly cast by the Societé de Bronzes de Paris and can be recognised by the round stamp...