Tug of War Monochrome Print after Frederick Morgan Appraisal
Category: Art Print
Description
The item is a monochrome print depicting the scene from Frederick Morgan's 'Tug of War'. The print is rectangular in shape and appears to be a photogravure or similar process given the tonal range and detail visible. The image portrays children engaged in a game of tug of war, with adult figures supervising from the background. The print is rendered in shades of gray and black, consistent with a monochrome reproduction. It is currently presented matted with a wide, off-white or cream-colored mat board. The mat has been recently applied, indicated by the clean cut edges and lack of visible aging or damage to the mat itself. The print itself shows some signs of age, such as slight foxing or discoloration in the lighter areas, particularly noticeable in the sky or background details. There may also be minor surface abrasions or handling creases, though these are not clearly discernible from the image. The print is signed or inscribed on the left side, likely with the artist's name or a reproduction signature. There is also a small inscription or marking in the lower left corner, possibly a plate mark or publisher identifier. The overall condition of the print appears fair to good, with the matting providing a fresh presentation. The style is typical of late Victorian or Edwardian genre scenes, focusing on everyday life and often featuring children in idyllic settings. The craftsmanship of the print itself, if it is an original process like photogravure, would involve complex printing techniques to achieve the rich tonal values.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the monochrome print, 'Tug of War,' after Frederick Morgan. Based on the visual evidence, this appears to be a photogravure or similar process print, typical of reproductions from the late 19th or early 20th century. The detail and tonal range are consistent with these methods. The print shows signs of age appropriate to the period, including some evident foxing and potential minor surface wear, assessed as being in fair to good condition. The recent matting presents the piece well, though the condition of the print itself is the primary factor. Authenticity based solely on this image is limited. While there appears to be an inscription and possibly a plate mark, I cannot definitively confirm if this is a legitimate period reproduction or a later print without in-person examination. A physical inspection would allow for closer examination of the paper type, printing process details, and any watermarks or publisher's stamps not visible here. Provenance documentation, such as records of acquisition, would also be crucial in establishing authenticity. Without definitive confirmation, the valuation must consider it as a decorative reproduction. Market conditions for period reproductions of popular works are generally stable but not subject to rapid acceleration. Comparable period photogravures of genre scenes by well-known artists typically sell in the range I have indicated, depending on condition and the specific image. While Morgan's work is popular, reproductions are not rare. Demand exists among collectors of Victorian/Edwardian imagery and decorative art. The value is primarily driven by its decorative appeal, age, and condition, with the lack of confirmed authenticity as an original period print limiting the high end of the range.
Appraisal Value
$100-200