Quail Shooting (from the Shooting Pictures Portfolio)
Original chromolithograph print on paper • Arthur Burdett Frost (A.B. Frost)
Style & Movement
American Realism / Golden Age of Illustration / Sporting Art
Medium & Technique
Chromolithography, a multi-layered color printing process, likely based on an original watercolor or gouache painting.
Creation Period
Circa 1895–1896 (Original portfolio publication date)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches (image size), presented in a horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
A classic sporting scene depicting a hunter taking aim with a shotgun at quail in flight. The composition includes two hunting dogs (pointers/setters) in the mid-ground among tall, dry autumnal grass. The background features a large leafless tree, a split-rail fence, and a soft, overcast horizon typical of late autumn hunting seasons.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible mat burn (a dark line around the rectangular perimeter) caused by acidic framing materials.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 (for an individual print in this condition)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600
Provenance History
Likely originally part of the famous 'Shooting Pictures' portfolio published by Charles Scribner's Sons. Subsequent private ownership indicated by the modern framing.
Art Historical Significance
A.B. Frost is considered the premier illustrator of the American sporting life. His 'Shooting Pictures' series is his most famous work, capturing the technical details of hunting and the atmosphere of the American landscape with a realism that appealed to the outdoor enthusiasts of the late 19th century.
Notable Features
Features Frost’s signature attention to the anatomy of the dogs and the specific posture of the hunter. The print is highly sought after by collectors of 19th-century Americana and sporting memorabilia.
Condition Issues
Notable acid mat burn/discoloration around the edges of the image. Possible light-induced fading of the more delicate pigments (pinks/blues). Minor foxing may be present under the glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free, archival museum-grade matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further darkening and fading. A conservator could potentially perform a light aqueous wash to reduce the acidic mat stain.
Collector Notes
AB Frost