Robert Spear Dunning (American, 1829-1905)

Description:

Robert Spear Dunning (American, 1829-1905) Cherries/A Still Life with Self Portrait Reflected in a Silver Compote Signed and dated "R.S. Dunning 1871" l.l. Oil on canvas, 14 1/4 x 18 in. (36 x 45.9 cm),in a period frame. Condition: Damage to tacking edge (stabilized by lining),minor scattered dots of retouch, craquelure. Provenance: Mrs. George Washington Dean, Fall River, Massachusetts, and by descent in her family. Exhibitions: EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS AND UNFINISHED WORKS, ROBERT SPEAR DUNNING, Fall River, Massachusetts, December 14, 1911, Number 6 - "Cherries - Loaned by Mrs. Geo. W. Dean." N.B. Artist and Dunning student Bryant Chapin, reviewed the 1911 Dunning exhibition. In discussing the work presented here, he wrote: "...composed of a gold-lined silver dish overturned with cherries in front, with part of a mirror showing as the background. An instance of his fidelity to fact is seen in the painting of the reflection of the studio wall in the small circle at the bottom of the dish and also the reflection of the dish in the mirror. The carved mirror frame is a complicated and difficult object to paint..." (Fall River Evening News, Thursday, December 14, 1911, page 9). The detail of the artist at work is shown (inverted) on the opposite page. The painting, one of two commissioned by Mrs. George Washington Dean from Dunning in the 1870s, is important as it exhibits all of the lushness and optimism that epitomizes the attitude of the prominent residents of the city of Fall River in the third quarter of the 19th century. Robert Spear Dunning, whose still life works were eagerly sought after by the same prominent Fall River collectors who sat for his portraits, would have been immersed in this attitude of optimism. The decade following the Civil War ushered in the greatest era of prosperity in Fall River and saw the city rise to prominence as the largest producer of cotton cloth in the world. This great influx of wealth created an exclusive social elite who controlled the city of Fall River with what was referred to as the "Seven Family Rule." Figuring prominently among the seven were members of this branch of the Borden family. Eudora Sexton Borden (Mrs. George Washington Dean),was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, November 4, 1825; married in that city July 2, 1873, to George Washington Dean; and died May 25, 1918. The daughter of Fall River textile and shipping magnate Jefferson Borden, her life was one of great wealth and priviledge. A prominent figure in Fall River society, her marriage to George W. Dean was hailed as the social event of that season. Having traveled the world extensively, she was active in both the social and charitable affairs of her native city.
Estimate $75,000-125,000

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