Exquisite French Art Nouveau Cast Metal Bust of HELOISE by E. Villanis C. 1880-1900

A fine French Art Nouveau cast metal cold painted bust of HELOISE. Un-Signed C. 1880-1900

Although un-signed this great bust carries all the attributes of E. Villanis - fine detail - deep sculpting - hallowed eyes and Title name to base front.

Of course - this is HELOISE, wife of the theologian and philosopher Peter Abelard, with whom she was involved in one of the best known love tragedies of history. Fulbert, Héloïse's uncle and a canon of Notre-Dame, entrusted Abelard with the education of his brilliant niece (c. 1118). The two fell in love and were secretly married after Héloïse returned to Paris from Brittany, where she had given birth to Abelard's son. Her relatives, outraged by the situation, caused Abelard to be attacked and castrated. He became a monk at the monastery of St. Denis, and Héloïse entered the convent at Argenteuil. After the convent dispersed, Abelard gave Héloïse and her nuns the property of the community of the Paraclete (Le Paraclet), which he had been allowed to found. There Héloïse became abbess. Héloïse was buried beside Abelard at the Paraclete, but the remains of both were removed to the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris in the 19th century. Her correspondence with Abelard became part of the extensive literature about their relationship.

Height: 17 inches Width: 8.5 inches Condition: Excellent - Only minor wear and use indicators commensurable with age. Possible re cold painted during her life time - as is often the case with these old period bust. Still nicely done and a fine example of Villanis' artistic talents to be enjoyed for years. These bust are getting harder and harder to come by in any condition - much less one in this condition. Will look great regardless of where you display her.

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Item ID: 173