This exceptional and rare pair of 19th-century figural candelabra represents a remarkable achievement in French decorative sculpture. Executed in a sophisticated combination of gilt and patinated bronze and mounted on Belgian black marble bases, the pieces bear the signature of the French sculptor Charles Cumberworth, confirming their distinguished artistic provenance.
The design centers on two powerfully modeled figures inspired by African villagers. The female figure, wearing a headwrap and loose dress, holds a vase aloft with graceful poise. Her male counterpart stands shirtless, hat in hand and axe at his waist, supporting a basket of fruit. Both figures are cast in rich dark patinated bronze, giving them a sculptural depth and warmth that contrasts beautifully with the luminous gilt-bronze elements. From the vessels they carry rise the candelabra arms, shaped with naturalistic inspiration drawn from banana trees and blossoms, each terminating in five candle holders accented with delicate gilded details. The masterful interplay of three distinct tones ,the warm gilt bronze, the deep patinated figures, and the glossy black marble -creates a striking visual harmony and elevates the pieces beyond mere lighting fixtures into true works of art.
The quality of the bronze casting is exceptional, reflecting the 19th-century preference for this material because of its ability to capture fine detail and maintain consistency through the lost-wax process. The patina was achieved through careful application and controlled heating, allowing the surfaces to develop a natural and attractive aging over time.
Charles Cumberworth (1811–1852) was a sculptor of considerable talent whose life bridged two continents. Born in the United States to an English father and a French mother, he was brought to Paris as an infant. He trained at the École des Beaux-Arts under the celebrated Jean-Jacques Pradier, beginning around 1829. Despite his mixed heritage creating obstacles- including disqualification from the Prix de Rome in 1836 – Cumberworth exhibited regularly at the Salon from his student years until 1848. His oeuvre includes notable works such as “L’Amour de soi” now in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de La Rochelle and “Lesbie et son moineau” in the collections of the Musée du Louvre. His mentor Pradier is remembered today for, among other achievements, the figures of Fame on the spandrels of the Arc de Triomphe.
These candelabra embody the romantic and exotic tendencies that appeared in French decorative arts during the middle decades of the 19th century. When displayed as a pair on a console or mantel, the figures create a balanced and dramatic presence. The dark patinated bronze against the glowing gilt arms and the cool black marble bases produces a rich tonal composition that catches and holds the light, especially when the candles are lit. The naturalistic arms add a sense of organic movement, while the overall composition speaks of both sculptural ambition and practical elegance.
Such rare signed works by Cumberworth are seldom encountered and hold particular appeal for collectors of 19th-century bronzes and figural decorative arts. They stand as fine examples of the period’s technical mastery and its fascination with narrative and exotic subjects. Placed in a thoughtful interior, they bring a quiet yet commanding beauty that rewards close appreciation.
