Cherry Ripe
Chromolithographic print / Framed paper print • Sir John Everett Millais (British, 1829–1896)
Style & Movement
Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood / Victorian Academic Art
Medium & Technique
Chromolithograph on paper; high-volume mechanical reproduction of an original oil painting
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (Original painting created in 1879)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; approximately 20 x 24 inches including the frame
Subject Description
A young girl (modeled by Edie Ramage) sitting in a wooded landscape wearing a white dress with red ribbons, holding cherries. The subject is a tribute to Joshua Reynolds' Penelope Boothby. It symbolizes childhood innocence and was one of the most popular images of the Victorian era.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of age-related wear
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced print for the domestic market, possibly distributed as a supplement for 'The Graphic' magazine or sold as a decorative lithograph. Label on right margin identifies the artist and title.
Art Historical Significance
The original painting was a commercial sensation, selling over 600,000 copies as a print. It represents the 'Fancy Picture' genre and Millais' shift from strict Pre-Raphaelitism to a more popular, sentimental Victorian style.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive printed label on the right side of the matting/border containing the title 'Cherry Ripe' and the artist's name and dates.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots), yellowing of the paper (acidification), some fading of the red pigments, and minor abrasions or dust beneath the glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight; consider remounting with acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further deterioration.