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Lot Essay
Charles Cumberworth (1811-1852) enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in 1829 and exhibited at the Salon from 1833 until 1848. He mainly worked for the Susse Frres foundry in Paris, his works including many classical and allegorical subjects as well as exotic figures such as the present pair of Nubians candelabra. He won the Prix de Rome in 1842, but was disqualified after it was found that he was not a Frenchman.
The works of Rousseau strongly influenced the contemporary tastes of the July Monarchy and the present figures have a natural pride and confidence in themselves that was concurrent with Rousseau's beliefs in the evils of civilisation and show an underlying interest in Negro emancipation. Cumberworth executed several works in this manner including Paul and Virginia, 1844; Neapolitan Fisherman, 1838 and The Indian Huntress, 1841.
A similar pair of figures was sold in these Rooms on 30th May, 1996, lot 261.
The works of Rousseau strongly influenced the contemporary tastes of the July Monarchy and the present figures have a natural pride and confidence in themselves that was concurrent with Rousseau's beliefs in the evils of civilisation and show an underlying interest in Negro emancipation. Cumberworth executed several works in this manner including Paul and Virginia, 1844; Neapolitan Fisherman, 1838 and The Indian Huntress, 1841.
A similar pair of figures was sold in these Rooms on 30th May, 1996, lot 261.