EMMANUEL VILLANIS "Phryne" Art Nouveau Bronze Bust with Paris Foundry Mark

This stunning bronze bust depicts the Ancient Greek heitara, or courtesan, Phryne, renowned for her beauty. Phryne is best known in relation to her trial of impiety, referenced in various Greek and Roman literary sources, and is said to be the basis for Praxiteles' famed Aphrodite of Knidos sculpture. 

Beautiful contemplative women were the frequent subject of Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914), a celebrated French sculptor from the Art Nouveau era. Villanis produced many bronze busts of mythological, literary, and musical women, with careful attention to feminine grace and pulchritude. This work is one remarkable example of Villanis' skillful rendering of delicate features in bronze.

Signed E. Villanis. [ACI] 1/25.

"ACI" indicates that this specific bust was cast by the Anciens Établissements C.I. (Cie) foundry in France. This company succeeded earlier foundries and was highly active in reproducing popular Art Nouveau bronzes during the early-to-mid 20th century Emmanuel Villanis collaborated with several major Parisian foundries (such as the Société des Bronzes de Paris and E. Blasli). When a piece bears the "ACI" mark, it typically represents a later commercial casting or an authorized posthumous edition rather than a lifetime casting from the primary Parisian foundries.

H: 23.5"
W: 13"
D: 9"

Excellent condition. 

Local pick up or shipping, packing and pick up arranged by buyer

10869-27