A hand-painted ceramic figure of a Nubian nude woman seated on a stone, wearing a turban metal earrings and posed with her wrists positioned behind her back. The body is modeled with fine anatomical detail. Signed "E. Villanis" on the base. Preserved in great antique condition.
Emmanuel Villanis (1858–1914) was a French sculptor and one of the most prolific makers of female statuary during the late 19th and early 20th century. Born in Lille to Italian parents, he trained at the Accademia Albertina in Turin before settling in Paris. Villanis became closely associated with the Art Nouveau movement, producing busts and full-figure sculptures often inspired by literary, historical, or exotic subjects. His works were regularly exhibited at the Paris Salon and widely reproduced in bronze by foundries such as Societe de Bronze de Paris.