Bidspirit auction | AFTER PETER PAUL RUBENS (1577–1640)

AFTER PETER PAUL RUBENS (1577–1640) CHROMOLITHOGRAPH - After Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) Portrait of Two Children Late 19th-century chromolithograph after the celebrated Flemish Baroque master, depicting two young children in richly rendered 17th-century dress within an interior setting. The composition reflects the late Victorian and Edwardian revival of Old Master imagery, produced for the educated decorative and collector market and valued for its painterly colour and academic finish. The print is presented in a substantial late 19th-century carved and stained American wooden frame, executed in a Renaissance Revival taste, with deep moulding and sculptural detail. The reverse retains its original embossed paper backing and bears an oval gilt paper label for J. J. Gillespie & Co., Fine Arts, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a respected American fine art dealer and frame maker active from the mid–late 19th century into the early 20th century. The label confirms period American retail provenance and indicates that the frame and mounting are original to the work’s early history. An attractive and authentic example of a period Old Master reproduction, retaining its original American framing context and suitable for display as a decorative historic interior piece. (Not an original work by Rubens.) Dimensions Length 12in, Height 18in, Width 1in (frame), 45 cm X 30cm Inside frame 36 cm x 20 cm Condition Condition: Fair to good overall. Print with general toning, light surface wear and minor marks; no visible tears or losses. Frame structurally sound with age-related rubbing, small chips and losses. Original paper backing and J. J. Gillespie & Co. label present; hanging wire may require replacement.