Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914) Large Orientalist Sculpture 60 Cm

Important Orientalist Sculpture from the 19th century signed on the terrace E. VILLANIS (Emmanuel Villanis 1854-1914) and the signature of the founder E. BLOT (Eugène Blot) Beautiful Orientalist composition in polychrome and gilded art cast iron representing an odalisque chained on a bench in granite. Good condition, some usual wear to the patina. Large subject measuring 60 cm high x 36 cm long x 24 cm wide.


Emmanuel Villanis (1854-1914) French sculptor linked to the Art Nouveau movement. In 1871, the artist enrolled at the Albertina Academy of Fine Arts in Turin under the direction of the sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi (1831 - 1905). At the end of his studies, his master encouraged him to exhibit his bust Alda presented in Milan in 1881. His sculptures subtly bear the mark of Art Nouveau his play on the patinas further adds to the finesse of the line, thus making Villanis one of the major sculptors of the late 19th century. Regarding the casting of bronzes, he worked mainly with the Paris bronze society and with Eugène Blot.


Eugène Blot founder under the company name Blot et Drouard, This well-known factory first specialized in “art zinc” and first produced bronzes for the sculptors Guillemin and Dumaige. But at the end of the 19th century, Eugène Blot, the son of the founder, engaged the company in the activity of foundry-publisher and opened an exhibition gallery at 5 boulevard de la Madeleine where, in addition to bronzes, one could also find paintings by great impressionist painters. Note in particular the admiration of this founder for Camille Claudel for whom he ensured the casting of a certain number of works in limited and numbered editions. Among the other sculptors who worked with this house we will cite Constantin Meunier, Hoetger, Jouant, Van der Stratten. After retiring, Eugène Blot transferred the rights to his foundry to Leblanc-Barbedienne. The company presents itself on this occasion as a former art publisher, successor from 1888 to 1894, at 28 then at 84, rue des Archives, Paris 3e (respectively from 1888 to 1891 and from 1891 to 1912). Then under the name of Eugène Blot from 1894 to 1937. Workshop: 84, rue des Archives, Paris 3e (1891-1912). Stores: 5, boulevard de la Madeleine, Paris 1st (1899-1912); 11, rue Richepance, Paris 8th (1906-1936); 45, rue de Penthièvre, Paris 8th (1936). Eugène Blot, 28 rue des Archives, exhibited once at the Salon of 1889.