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Antique Age of Innocence Lithograph from a Thistle Print

By jjohn22, 18 April, 2025
Description

The actual print is in very good condition but the edging around it has aged with torn areas. It's stated on the item that is a thistle print. It has been stored in a smoke free, pet free home.

Category
Other
Medium
Lithographic "thistle" print.
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Measuring 12 1/2" in width (32 cm) and 9 3/4" (25 cm) length
Date Period
Guessing over 80 years but not sure.
History
My grandmother collected many things that are very old. She died at 98 years old in 1994 when this print was given to me.
eBay Auction Link
https://www.ebay.com/itm/396309895008
For Sale?
No
Photos
Profile picture for user NaidaTheCollector

NaidaTheCollector

2 months 2 weeks ago

“Age of Innocence” Thistle Print by Sir Joshua Reynolds

Item:
Antique lithographic print titled “Age of Innocence” by Sir Joshua Reynolds
Publisher: F.A. Owen Publishing Company, Dansville, N.Y.
Copyright Holder: Detroit Photographic Company
Format: Thistle Print (a style of mass-market lithographic reproduction)
Medium: Lithograph on paper
Dimensions: Approx. 12.5" wide x 9.75" high
Condition:

  • The central image is in very good condition with no significant discoloration or foxing.
  • The outer paper mount has visible wear, with multiple tears, edge losses, and corner damage, typical for prints stored without a frame or backing over many decades.
  • No frame or protective glass was observed.

History:
This piece is a reproduction of Sir Joshua Reynolds’ 18th-century painting “Age of Innocence,” a sentimental portrait believed to have been painted circa 1785. The subject’s identity is unknown, though it has become one of Reynolds’ most beloved works. The print was published by the F.A. Owen Publishing Company, which was known for educational and affordable art reproductions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The "Thistle Print" reference likely denotes a particular series or quality of print produced under this label, often distributed to schools and homes for decor.

You mentioned the item was passed down to you from your grandmother, who passed in 1994 at age 98, suggesting the print could date from the early 1900s or earlier. F.A. Owen Publishing was active from the late 1800s through the early 20th century, placing your print’s likely production between 1890 and 1925.

Estimated Value (as of 2025):

  • Retail (unframed, in current condition): $20–$40
  • If professionally restored and framed: $75–$125
  • As a collectible with provenance (from a known family estate): Could fetch higher in niche vintage markets or as part of a larger estate collection.

Recommendation:
This piece has historical and decorative value and represents early 20th-century American domestic art consumption. Though not rare or of high monetary value, it holds sentimental worth and can be beautifully preserved with conservation framing. If you’re interested in preserving it for future generations, a local paper conservator could reinforce or remount it.

No votes yet

jjohn22

2 months 2 weeks ago

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

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