Cecil Aldin 'Rules of Golf' Series Lithograph: Rule VI - A ball must not be pushed, scraped, nor spooned

This is a matted and framed color lithograph by the renowned British illustrator Cecil Aldin (1870–1935), specifically from his humorous 'Rules of Golf' series published around 1905. The scene depicts a comical golfer in historical Elizabethan or Jacobean-inspired attire, including a red doublet, bulbous black breeches with red ties, and a tall brimmed hat. He is shown attempting an illegal maneuver with a long-nosed golf club on a grassy green, illustrated in a flat, illustrative style characteristic of the early 20th-century 'Old English' revival. To the left, a signpost displays 'RULE VI: A ball must not be pushed, scraped, nor spooned...' in both English and French. The background features a thatched cottage and rural landscape. Notable markings include the artist's signature 'Cecil Aldin' in the lower right of the print area, and various publication credits below the image border. The piece is set within a wide cream-colored mat which features hand-written or printed quotations in English and French: 'Tis more by art than force of numerous strokes' (Pope). The condition appears fair for its age; there is visible foxing (brown spotting) on the mat and potentially the paper of the print, along with slight toning/yellowing and a small indentation or stain at the bottom center edge of the mat. The frame is a simple dark wood profile that suggests a mid-20th-century framing or re-framing.

I have virtually examined this color lithograph from Cecil Aldin’s 'Rules of Golf' series (c. 1905), specifically illustrating Rule VI. The piece exhibits the artist's signature illustrative style and period-correct typography. Based on the visual evidence, the print appears to be an authentic period lithograph published by Lawrence & Bullen/Richards. Aldin remains a staple of 'Sporting Art,' and his golf-series subjects are particularly sought after by collectors of antique golf memorabilia. Market demand for Aldin's work remains stable, though prices have softened from early 2000s peaks. Comparables for this specific series typically range from $400 to $900 depending on condition. The primary factor depressing this piece's value is condition. My examination reveals significant foxing across the mat and evidence of toning on the lithographic paper. The brown spotting suggests exposure to moisture or high acidity in the original framing materials. Professional cleaning/deacidification by a paper conservator would be required to reach the upper echelon of valuation. This valuation assumes the print has not been trimmed and that the pigments have not suffered significant UV fading. Limitations: A definitive authentication cannot be made via digital imagery alone. A physical inspection is necessary to verify the paper's watermark, determine if the print is a contemporary photogravure reproduction, and assess if the foxing has structurally compromised the paper fibers. Documentation of provenance or a gallery label from a known sporting art specialist would further solidify the valuation.