A French Art Nouveau Bust

A 19th century French Art Nouveau period terracotta bust depicting an elegant young woman, the front inscribed with "Sapho" in haut relief lettering. The subject matter is 'Sapho of Lesbos' (620-570 bce), an Ancient Greek lyrical poet whose few remaining works suggest that she was gay. The rear of the bust has an illegible monogram and a signature, possibly attributable to the French Art Nouveau period sculptor, Emmanuel Villanis (1858–1914). Area of Paris, circa 1900.