AFA Autumn 2018

Autumn 104 www.afamag.com | w ww.incollect.com These two firescreens help document the relationship of a master, Oliver Wight, and his apprentice, Nathan Lumbard. The pieces share a similar carved-vine motif, pillar profile, and cabriole legs with a distinctive spur at the knee and scrolls at the feet. Yet, when comparing the shield inlays, the Lumbard example excels. Oliver Wight was a trailblazer in bringing a rare form to Sturbridge, drawing upon the best of English design. However, a few years later, Lumbard’s firescreen clearly ups the ante, taking Wight’s design and enhancing it with exquisite floral and vine motifs. Both firescreens are made of imported solid mahogany instead of the usual native cherry seen in most examples of these cabinetmakers’ furniture. The Lumbard firescreen was owned by Ezra Allen, a wealthy cousin of Nathan’s wife, Delight Allen Lumbard. As a wealthy gentleman with refined taste, it is no surprise that Ezra owned several Lumbard pieces, including this firescreen and a chest of drawers. Family networks were an important source of commissions for Nathan Lumbard. Firescreen, attributed to Oliver Wight, Sturbridge, 1795–1800. Mahogany, light- and dark- wood inlay. H. 55¼, W. 15 (across screen), 19 (at feet); D. 17 (at feet) in. Private collection. Photo by Laszlo Bodo. Firescreen, attributed to Nathan Lumbard, Sturbridge, 1800–1802. Mahogany, light- and dark-wood inlay. H. 60⅞, W. 14⅜ (across screen), D. 17⅝ (at feet) in. “L” in cursive script scratched in ink on the inlaid urn. Private collection. Photo by Laszlo Bodo.