What characterises Art Nouveau bronze sculptures?

Art Nouveau bronze sculptures typically feature fluid lines, stylized natural forms, and expressive human figures, reflecting the late 19th-century artistic movements focus on organic aesthetics and decorative symbolism.

How were late 19th-century bronze busts constructed?

These sculptures were cast using lost-wax or sand casting methods, followed by hand-chasing to refine surface details and the application of chemical patinas before mounting onto stone or marble bases.

How can authentic Art Nouveau bronzes be identified?

Authentic pieces usually display incised artist signatures, foundry marks, precise cold-worked surface detailing, and consistent natural surface oxidisation or patina wear corresponding to age.

How do you style an antique bronze bust in a modern interior?

Place the sculpture on a console table, sideboard, or mantelpiece alongside clean-lined modern elements to create visual contrast while emphasizing the sculptures detailed profile.

How should an antique patinated bronze sculpture be maintained?

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth and occasionally apply a thin coat of clear microcrystalline wax to seal and protect the patina from environmental humidity.

for sale €3,101 $3,366

£2,650

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Cast Bronze Bust

Art Nouveau Bronze Bust

Emmanuel Villanis Sculpture

Art Nouveau Female Sculpture

Id #SA977913

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19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

Name: 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA977913
Price: 2650 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Hickmet Fine Arts

Description

Captivating late 19th Century French bronze bust of a beautiful woman, enhanced by the variegated rich brown patination and excellent tactile surface detail, raised on an integral bronze base with raised title to the fore. Signed ?E Villanis and further raised on a breche griotte stepped and shaped marble plinth

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 33 cm

Width: 16 cm

Depth: 11 cm

Condition: Excellent Original Condition

Circa: 1890

Materials: Bronze

Book Ref: Emmanuel Villanis by Josje Hortulanus-de Mik

Page No: 17

SKU: 8616

ABOUT

Puccini's Opera - La Bohème

SYNOPSIS - A group of friends are living a bohemian life in Paris and trying to make their livings creating art. Rodolfo, the writer, falls in love with the seamstress, Mimi, while Marcello, the painter, and Musetta, the singer, are the on-and-off-again couple by their sides. When the four are happy, they spend their time celebrating life and love. However, Mimi is revealed to be very ill, and Rodolfo struggles to come to terms with the fact that she will inevitably die. Rodolfo and Mimi break up, and months later, Musetta discovers Mimi extremely sick and close to death. She brings Mimi to Rodolfo and Marcello's apartment. Rodolfo immediately takes her in and tries to nurse her back to health, but he is too late. Almost as soon as the two are reunited and have professed their love for one another, Mimi succumbs to her illness and dies.

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 (cachet) at the back of the statue. In addition, reliefs, vases, lamps, clocks and ink stands are recorded . Vases and lamps were mostly made of tin, and there are also marble statues. Pieces in which ivory is used are as rare as silver statues.

Villanis was inspired by women. He dedicated almost his complete works to them. One model in particular was portrayed many times by him. His portrayals of children may be less known, but are nevertheless wonderfully done. His statues are always in perfect proportion and are full of expression: dreamy-eyed, happy, sirene, indifferent, cheeky, serious, sad, detached, melancholy.

His style can always be recognised by his use of hollowed out eyeballs. The name of the statue can usually be found on the base in scrolled script and the signature of Emmanuel Villanis is always visible and legible.

Physical Dimensions

Height

33cm (12.99")

Width

16cm (6.30")

Depth

11cm (4.33")

Declaration

Hickmet Fine Arts has dated this Art Nouveau Bronze Bust to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA977913

Dealers Internal Reference

8616

Dealers Notes

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Viewing can be arranged at our gallery and everything sold by Hickmet Fine Arts comes with a full certificate of Authenticity and Valuation.

If you have enjoyed seeing this item and wish to see more quality pieces please visit our website www.hickmet.com

Description

fig 1. An Art Nouveau patinated bronze bust of a young woman with long hair and a headband mounted on a red marble base. — fig 1. 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 33 cm

Width: 16 cm

Depth: 11 cm

Condition: Excellent Original Condition

fig 2. An Art Nouveau patinated bronze bust of a young woman with long hair and a headband mounted on a red marble base. — fig 2. 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

Circa: 1890

Materials: Bronze

Book Ref: Emmanuel Villanis by Josje Hortulanus-de Mik

Page No: 17

fig 3. An Art Nouveau patinated bronze bust of a young woman with long hair and a headband mounted on a red marble base. — fig 3. 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

SKU: 8616

ABOUT

Puccini's Opera - La Bohème

“

SYNOPSIS - A group of friends are living a bohemian life in Paris and trying to make their livings creating art.

Hickmet Fine Arts

Rodolfo, the writer, falls in love with the seamstress, Mimi, while Marcello, the painter, and Musetta, the singer, are the on-and-off-again couple by their sides. When the four are happy, they spend their time celebrating life and love. However, Mimi is revealed to be very ill, and Rodolfo struggles to come to terms with the fact that she will inevitably die. Rodolfo and Mimi break up, and months later, Musetta discovers Mimi extremely sick and close to death. She brings Mimi to Rodolfo and Marcello's apartment. Rodolfo immediately takes her in and tries to nurse her back to health, but he is too late. Almost as soon as the two are reunited and have professed their love for one another, Mimi succumbs to her illness and dies.

fig 4. An Art Nouveau patinated bronze bust of a young woman with long hair and a headband mounted on a red marble base. — fig 4. 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

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 (cachet) at the back of the statue. In addition, reliefs, vases, lamps, clocks and ink stands are recorded . Vases and lamps were mostly made of tin, and there are also marble statues. Pieces in which ivory is used are as rare as silver statues.

fig 5. An Art Nouveau patinated bronze bust of a young woman with long hair and a headband mounted on a red marble base. — fig 5. 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

Villanis was inspired by women. He dedicated almost his complete works to them. One model in particular was portrayed many times by him. His portrayals of children may be less known, but are nevertheless wonderfully done. His statues are always in perfect proportion and are full of expression: dreamy-eyed, happy, sirene, indifferent, cheeky, serious, sad, detached, melancholy.

fig 6. An Art Nouveau patinated bronze bust of a young woman with long hair and a headband mounted on a red marble base. — fig 6. 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

His style can always be recognised by his use of hollowed out eyeballs. The name of the statue can usually be found on the base in scrolled script and the signature of Emmanuel Villanis is always visible and legible.