The First Lesson (The Bicycling Lesson)
Print (likely a high-quality chromolithograph or photogravure), unframed on paper • Lucius Rossi (Italian, 1846–1913)
Style & Movement
Belle Époque / Academic Genre Painting
Medium & Technique
Printmaking colors on paper; reproducing a painting likely executed in oil. The technique shows smooth tonal transitions characteristic of late 19th-century commercial lithography.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (dated 1897 in the lower right signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A humorous narrative scene depicting a young woman in late Victorian attire being supported by a young man as she attempts to ride a bicycle indoors. An elderly woman, possibly a chaperone or mother, looks on from the left with a disapproving or concerned expression. The scene captures the 'bicycle craze' of the 1890s and the social shifts regarding women's mobility and fashion.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible signs of aging and environmental stress
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $250 USD
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced interior decorative print from the turn of the century; no specific labels visible, but typical of middle-class Victorian home decor.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the intersection of Victorian social mores and the technological advent of the bicycle. Lucius Rossi was well known for these 'costume' pieces that blended technical skill with lighthearted, flirtatious narrative themes popular in the Parisian and London markets.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature 'L. Rossi' and the date '1897' in the bottom right corner. The bicycle depicted is a 'safety bicycle' with pneumatic tires, which was at the height of fashion at the time of creation.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots), yellowing/acidification of the paper, minor creases, and potential light fading from UV exposure. There is a visible reflection in the image suggesting it may be behind glass, but the paper itself shows rippling.
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free matting and UV-protective glazing are recommended. Professional cleaning by a paper conservator could mitigate the foxing and acidity issues.