Lot 249: A Pair of Early 20th Century Sepia-Toned Photographic Landscapes in Tiger Oak Frames
A pair of early 20th-century sepia-toned photographic prints, likely produced using carbon or toned silver gelatin processes, depicting quintessential British highland and lake scenery. The first photograph captures a shepherd driving a flock of sheep down a winding mountain path bordered by dry stone walls. The second photograph features a serene lake scene, characteristic of the English Lake District, with a stand of Scots pine trees reflecting in the still water against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Both prints are housed in wide, quarter-sawn tiger oak frames with integral wooden mats that continue the distinctive figured grain pattern of the frames. No artist signatures, stamps, or edition marks are visible on the prints or the mounts. The exterior glass of the left frame bears a white rectangular adhesive label with the printed numeral 4. The glass of the right frame bears an identical white rectangular label reading 4 and a handwritten orange rectangular adhesive label reading 249. A portion of another frame visible at the bottom of the group image shows an orange rectangular label reading 251.
Condition report:
The pair of photographs and their frames are in good overall condition. The quarter-sawn oak frames exhibit minor surface scuffing, light scratches, and small nicks to the outer edges and corners (photo 1). Both prints show slight tonal fading consistent with their age, but are free from silver mirroring, foxing, or creasing (photos 2 and 3). Small particles of dust and debris have accumulated behind the glazing (photos 2 and 3). Multiple temporary adhesive inventory labels are present on the exterior glass surfaces (photo 1).
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