Loan of works / the Paul et Virginie sculptures by Charles Cumberworth (1811-1852)
For the renewal of the itinerary of the Léon Dierx art gallery permanent collection, the Villèle museum is lending Paul et Virginie, one of the emblematic sculptures by Charles Cumberworth (1811-1852), inspired by the famous eponymous novel written by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre. This work in bronze, acquired by the Villèle museum in 1991, completes the collection of the artist’s sculptures displayed at the Léon Dierx art gallery.
As soon as it was opened, the Léon Dierx museum distinguished itself through the quality of its modern art collections. This attention given to the innovative aspects of 19th century and early 20th century art was confirmed in 1947 through the donation made by Lucien Vollard, the brother of the renowned art dealer Ambroise Vollard, born in Reunion, who greatly contributed to the success of today’s best-known painters. Originally a museum devoted to art and history, the Léon Dierx museum then became an art gallery, focusing on works of art, a tendency consolidated during the second half of the 20th century.
The itinerary presenting the permanent collections takes us through the important artistic movements of the 19th century. The paintings and etchings of the 19th-century school in Reunion displayed in the gallery occupy a unique place on the island, with an emphasis on landscapes and portraits of the Creole bourgeoisie.
Inv. 1991.51
Paul et Virginie
Charles Cumberworth, circa 1851
Bronze, H. 38 cm x L. 39 cm x P. 18 cm
