posted on April 27, 2001 04:30:48 PM new
I sure do love the subject matter, since I am enthusiastic about the history of Arctic and Antarctic exploration, but this has some condition problems. I'm just guessing, but the print could be pre-1875, judging by the style and look, and this was when imagination about the Arctic was at it's height. The scene seems rather fanciful to me with all the towering icebergs and the men with no beards (they wouldn't have been freshly scrubbed and shaved in the Arctic in those days!LOL). Plus, the polar bear probably would not be challenging the men, but would more likely be trying to get away as quickly as possible. No artist's name, no date. It's very fragile looking, has some staining and creasing, edge tatters, plus the frame has some of the molded plaster missing.
I know that it needs reframed with acid-free backing if it were to be preserved, but how much would that cost for a 20 X 14 inch print? I could do the work myself if the cost would be mostly labor. Would it be worth the trouble considering the condition problems? Also, is this called a lithograph or?
[ edited by loosecannon on Apr 27, 2001 05:30 PM ]
posted on April 27, 2001 04:51:51 PM new
Is that cardboard in the back? If so, odd.
Also odd that there's no dust paper over the back.
My guess is that the print and the frame are a marriage.
I too like the print. Acid free materials are readily available. If I were to keep it, I'd reframe it using an old frame. Shouldn't cost more than $10 if you do it yourself, frame and all (frame from a local auction or yard sale).
posted on April 27, 2001 04:54:52 PM new
It is modern corrugated cardboard, but very, very old. I know this frame isn't perfect, but what's wrong with reusing it?
[ edited by loosecannon on Apr 27, 2001 05:07 PM ]
posted on April 27, 2001 05:08:54 PM new
Does it have any signature? If a litho, it should say SOMETHING...if it's not trimmed. Have you taken the back off?
What kind of nails are holding the board on the back? Square or round?
It does say "Copyright" at the bottom center, but no date. It has a few round nails. No signature.
I doubt that the frame is original, but I don't think the print has been trimmed since it has a white border top and bottom. No, I haven't taken it apart yet.
[ edited by loosecannon on Apr 27, 2001 05:16 PM ]
To determine if it's a litho, take your best magnifier. If you see dots...it's not. If you see lines...it's not. If it looks kinda grainy...like it's been rubbed against a stone...it probably is.
This stuff is hard to determine, when you can't SEE it...
posted on April 27, 2001 05:28:33 PM new
I think that you will find that the litho is printed right on the board, or more accurately, printed on paper that is bonded to the heavy card board. They were produced in this manner to cut cost, thus no need for glass, mat or backer. I have owned many similar prints over the years. If that is the case, my feeling is that any restoration would be more costly than the item is worth.
posted on April 27, 2001 05:44:34 PM new
Good! Well then, if you're positive it has age, you could say you believe it to be a litho...and tell them why you do. What you saw when you studied it with a glass.
Prints are a b*tch...no question... It certainly is a great subject...and attractive, too. It looks vaguely familiar, for some reason...
posted on April 27, 2001 05:49:31 PM new
Oh, there is no question it has age. This wasn't made recently--anyone could tell that, if they had it in their hands that is.
Why a b*tch? No one has said if it's likely worth aything.
posted on April 27, 2001 06:06:57 PM new
I wasn't talking about yours, specifically. It's just that there are SO many types, especially when you get into the 19th century and earlier...and they're really hard to differentiate.
I have a major book on the subject...and still have big trouble with the early stuff. So much so, that I'd rather just say...here's a nice early print, and forget calling it anything...
