Children Riding a Donkey
Print or color lithograph on paper • After Birket Foster or William Collins (Manner of English Genre Painters)
Style & Movement
Victorian Genre Painting / Romantic Realism
Medium & Technique
Lithography or mechanical print reproduction (originally based on an oil painting)
Creation Period
Late 19th to mid-20th century (reproduction of an earlier 19th-century motif)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches; Landscape format
Subject Description
A nostalgic pastoral scene depicting children playfully riding a donkey through a grassy field. The composition includes a primary donkey carrying two children while a third child walks alongside. The imagery evokes themes of rural innocence and childhood leisure characteristic of 19th-century British art.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible age-toning and minor foxing on the matting
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a mass-produced decorative print distributed for home decor in the early to mid-20th century
Art Historical Significance
As a reproduction, its significance lies in the popularization of Victorian 'Cottage' art styles for the burgeoning middle class. It reflects the 19th-century desire for idealized rural narratives as an escape from industrialization.
Notable Features
The work features a classic white mat and a simple dark wood frame typical of mid-century home framing. The stippled texture suggests a commercial printing process rather than original paint application.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper support; minor debris trapped under the glass; possible fading due to UV exposure; the matting shows small dark spots (foxing).
Conservation Recommendations
Check for acid-free matting to prevent further yellowing. Keep away from direct sunlight. Consider reframing with UV-protective glass if preserved for sentimental reasons.