Villanis Bust

Q: Years ago I inherited a bronze bust of a woman. It’s titled “Orient” and is signed by “Villanis.” The bust in 30 inches tall and in great condition. We would like more information about maker and value.

A: Emmanuele Villanis was born in France in 1858. His parents were Italian and moved the family back to Italy in 1861. Villanis studied sculpture in Turin, Italy, and began exhibiting his work in about 1880. He moved to Paris in 1885 and died there in 1914. This bust and another bust of a woman, called “Europe,” were made for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Value of your “Orient” bust: $2,000 or more.