Lion Head by Patrick Villas

05707

H: 20.5’’ L: 13.8’’ W: 14.6’’

Born in 1961, Belgium, Patrick Villas trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Since 2010, he lives and works in France. His works are exhibited worldwide, and his international agent is Galerie Bayart in Paris. Patrick Villas follows the footsteps of great animal sculptors such as Antoine-Louis Barye (1795 -1875) and Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916). A frequent visitor of the Antwerp Zoo, he has patiently trained his eye to fully understand the anatomy of the animal, its postures and its movements. Patrick Villas possesses an extraordinary gift in observation and produces meticulous studies of animal life. The artist has a particular passion for felines. His work is far from the smooth and shiny animal bronzes of the 19th century. Patrick Villas prefers a more raw, more energetic approach to the material, always remaining faithful to the traits and character of the animal.

His works preserve all the modeling traces. This roughness, these asperities give even more presence to his sculptures, which we can observe in this new work of art: a majestic Lion Head, of spectacular dimensions. The sculpture exudes exceptional strength. All the power and elegance of the animal emerge from this Daum crystal work. The crystal in flamboyant amber tones captures the light and creates a vivid interaction with the work. The lion’s head is placed on a stone base. The raw finish and the presence of fragments of material recall the style of Patrick Villas.