Christmas Party Illustration Appraisal

The Misses Winter's Christmas Party by Frederick Stuart Church

This item is an antique black and white lithographic print or periodical engraving titled 'The Misses Winter's Christmas Party.' The artwork is attributed to the notable American artist Frederick Stuart Church (1842–1924), as indicated by the printed credit line 'Drawn by F. S. Church' at the bottom. The piece features a whimsical, anthropomorphic winter scene characteristic of Church’s style, depicting various creatures like hares, birds, and mice interacting in a snow-covered landscape. The central focus in this detail shows two large hares touching paws/noses, followed by a procession of smaller animals including mice and birds marching in pairs. The print appears to be on a medium-weight paper with a slightly aged, off-white to cream patina. There is a visible vertical crease in the center, suggesting it may have originally been a fold-out supplement in a late 19th-century publication such as Harper's Weekly. The print is professionally matted with a stepped wood or gold-toned frame visible at the bottom edge. Condition issues include the aforementioned center fold and some minor surface glare, but the ink remains crisp with fine hatching and cross-hatching details visible in the fur and shadows of the animals. The craftsmanship reflects the peak era of American illustration, combining Victorian sentimentality with expert draughtsmanship.