Emmanuel Villanis köre

This large bronze statue depicts an allegorical representation of Sappho, the ancient Greek lyric poet. The female figure appears in a draped antique garment, holding a lyre, in a gracefully inclined pose. Her facial expression suggests lyrical melancholy, which is consistent with the mood associated with Sappho's character in literary history. The style of the statue evokes the works of Emmanuel Villanis, who molded numerous literary and mythological female figures in bronze during the turn of the 19th to 20th century. Although this specific piece is not exactly identical to the documented works of Villanis, it can rightly be categorized within his circle and the castings made from models of him, based on its iconography and plastic solutions. The patinated surface and monumental size enhance the decorative effect of the composition, which can be considered a representative example of contemporary salon art and Art Nouveau bronze craftsmanship.