The European Art Sale
The European Art Sale
Releasing Butterflies
Lot Closed
October 25, 02:24 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Emile Villa
French
1836 - 1936
Releasing Butterflies
signed E Villa (lower right)
oil on canvas
canvas: 46 by 33 in.; 116.8 by 83.8 cm
framed: 36 by 43½ in.; 91.4 by 110.4 cm
The sitter of the present painting is wearing an Empire-style dress, lavishly decorated with lace and ribbons, highlighting the artist's skill in the treatment of silks and transparent fabrics, as exemplified in the diaphanous butterfly net and the lace trim lining the décolletage and cap sleeves. The young woman is elegantly opening the box to release the entrapped butterflies, in a gesture that underscores the innocent nature of her pastime and the beauty of her character.