Cecil Aldin Appraisal

Cecil Aldin 'The Rules of Golf' Chromolithograph: Rule XIV

This is a vintage chromolithograph print by the renowned British illustrator Cecil Charles Windsor Aldin (1870–1935), titled 'Rule XIV' from his famous humorous series 'The Rules of Golf.' The artwork features a stylized, lighthearted scene set in a pastoral landscape, where a golfer in 17th-century period attire (including a tall pilgrim-style hat, doublet, and breeches) stands before a stone-walled well. He carries a primitive golf bag and holds a long-nosed wooden club while contemplating a ball lost in the water hazard. The print is characterized by Aldin's signature use of bold outlines, flat color washes in earthy tones (ochre, brown, brick red, and muted green), and a whimsical, illustrative style. To the right of the central figure is a large text box displaying 'RULE XIV' in bold serif typography, providing the rule in both English and French. Below the image border, a literary quotation from Chaucer is printed: 'Now up, now down, as a Basket in a well,' also translated into French. The print appears to be on heavy cream-colored paper or cardstock. A copyright line is visible at the bottom left, typically referring to 'Lawrence & Jellicoe,' the publishers of Aldin’s work in the early 20th century (circa 1905-1920). The condition shows slight yellowing consistent with age, minor handling marks in the margins, and a small crease on the right side of the border, but the central image remains vibrant with no major fading or foxing.