Tempting Bait (alternatively known as Playing on the Beach)
Chromolithograph print on paper • After Frederick Morgan (1847–1927); published by Pears Soap (A & F Pears Ltd).
Style & Movement
Victorian Narrative Painting / Academic Realism
Medium & Technique
Chromolithography (color lithography) using a multi-stone printing process to simulate the appearance of an oil painting.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (circa 1890-1900)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 70cm x 50cm (including border); Landscape format.
Subject Description
Three children are playing on a shoreline. Two foreground girls hold hands while walking through shallow water; the girl on the left wears a red cap and pulls a bundle of seaweed, while the girl on the right wears a white smock. In the background left, a boy in a sailor-style suit holds a fishing rod/pole. The imagery emphasizes Victorian ideals of childhood innocence and seaside leisure.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible fading from UV exposure and some minor paper rippling.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $250 USD
Auction Estimate
$80 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely an original supplemental print distributed with the Pears Annual or as a promotional premium for Pears Soap. Ownership history typically involves private domestic collections in the UK or former Commonwealth.
Art Historical Significance
Frederick Morgan was a renowned specialist in childhood genre scenes. This specific image is a prime example of 'Pears Prints,' which transformed high-art oil paintings into mass-market advertising and home decor, playing a crucial role in the history of graphic design and the democratization of art in the Victorian era.
Notable Features
Includes the distinct 'PEARS' logo or watermark-style print signature in the lower right corner, identifying it as an authentic promotional lithograph rather than a modern reproduction.
Condition Issues
Fading of pigments (particularly reds and yellows), surface glare from glass, potential acidic matting issues, and slight foxing or yellowing of the paper support in the margins.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from current frame to inspect for acidic backing; remount using acid-free archival materials; use UV-protective museum glass; keep away from direct sunlight and high-humidity areas.