Lot 12
  • 12

EMMANUEL VILLANIS | Seated Boy

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description

  • Emmanuel Villanis
  • Seated Boy 
  • signed: E. Villani and inscribed: Galleria / P. Bazzanti / Florence
  • white marble
  • 92cm., 36 1/4 in. 

Condition

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a sheen to the surface, possibly due to past overcleaning. It also appears that a translucent wax has been applied to the surface, of which there is some residue to the child's back. There is a loss to the handle of the boy's mousetrap(?). There are also a few small chips, including to the edges of the stool and the edges of the base. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, some with fill, including to the proper left temple, proper left hand, and proper left knee, and proper right thigh. There are a few slight paint marks, notably to the boy's back.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Villanis was born to Italian parents in Lille in 1858 but was not to become a naturalised French citizen until 1910. It is probably for this reason that he signed 'Villani', since it could be interpreted as either the Italian 'Villani' or the French 'Villanis'. A pupil of Odoardo Tabacchi, he exhibited at the Brera in Milan before moving to Paris for good by 1886. Villanis' output focused on busts, and the present work is a rare larger marble of a full figure; the model is also known in bronze reductions.