A Pair Of 19th Century Candelabra

Royal Antique is honored to offer this truly exceptional pair of 19th-century figurative candelabra, a testament to the artistic trends and masterful bronze work of the period. Signed by the renowned French sculptor Charles Cumberworth (1815-1852), these pieces blend sculptural artistry with functional elegance, making them a captivating addition to any discerning collection.

Artistic Depiction and Materials:

• Ethnographic Inspiration: Each candelabrum features a finely cast bronze figure inspired by African villagers, reflecting the 19th-century fascination with exotic cultures.

  • The female figure is elegantly depicted wearing a headscarf and a loose, flowing dress, gracefully holding aloft a water vase.

  • The male figure is shown shirtless, holding a hat in his hand, with an ax at his waist, and carrying a basket of fruits above his head.

• Integrated Lighting Structure: The vase of water and the fruit basket carried by the figures serve as the ingenious base for the candelabra's arms. These arms, inspired by the natural forms of banana trees and flowers, splay outwards to create five candle holders. Each holder is subtly adorned with small golden elements, adding a touch of luminosity.

• Noble Materials: These candelabra are crafted from a combination of gilt and burnished bronze, allowing for both intricate detail and striking contrast. The rich, dark patina of the figures and some of the arms provides a perfect counterpoint to the radiant gilding. Each sculptural group is firmly mounted on a polished hexagonal base of fine Belgian black marble, which provides a strong, elegant foundation.

• Bronze Craftsmanship: In the 19th century, bronze was highly favored for its casting versatility, allowing for both remarkable detail and consistent reproduction. The patinated finish on these figures was achieved through the application of patina and heat, a technique commonly used to impart an aged appearance and enhance the bronze's natural beauty.

The Artist: Charles Cumberworth (1815-1852)

Charles Cumberworth was a significant French sculptor of the first half of the 19th century. Born in the United States to an English father and a French mother, he was brought to Paris as a child. He honed his craft under the tutelage of the esteemed Jean-Jacques Pradier (1792-1852) at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, commencing his studies around 1829. Despite his undeniable talent, his mixed parentage regrettably led to his disqualification from the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1836 and limited his access to major state commissions. Nevertheless, he began exhibiting at the Salon in 1829 and continued to do so until 1848. Among Cumberworth's most celebrated sculptures are "L'Amour de soi" housed at the Museum of Fine Arts in La Rochelle, and "Lesbia and her sparrow" at the Louvre Museum in Paris. His master, Jean-Jacques Pradier, was also a renowned sculptor, known for figures of fame on the spandrels of the Arc de Triomphe and decorative figures at the Madeleine in Paris.

This magnificent pair of figurative candelabra by Charles Cumberworth is more than just functional objects; they are profound works of art that embody the sculptural excellence and cultural interests of mid-19th-century France, representing an invaluable acquisition for any discerning collector.