Two girls

My MIL gave the girls (my daughters) two antique prints (in their original frames) that she and her mother had bough at a local auction years and years ago.  I was going to paint the frames white, as although they are old, they probably don't have much value to speak of. Once I started to take them apart to clean, I just couldn't do it. I thought perhaps the prints were from an old calender or perhaps they were promotional images that were so often given with products at the turn of the century, but when I got them opened they had the original plate title and even written in pencil near the top it said 'Rustic Frame' in fancy script. They were intended to live in these frames. As they are. They aren't quite tramp art frames, but do have a similar feel.  I'm not crazy about the guilding around the edge of the wood, but that's what they came with.

I cleaned the glass, removed the years of dust and grime and due to some water spots and old tape stains on the frame paper, I cut two sheets of scrapbooking paper to mat them. (acid free) I just laid the scrapbooking paper over top, so I didn't disturb the hundred year old print. I think the next time I'm out, I'll look for some pink paper with white polka dots but for now these peices work fine. the nails that are used to hold in the thin piece of wood in the back are actually hand-hewn. Very neat! So for now, they hang above the rocking cradle that their grandfather made them.

If you would like to print your own, while I had them out of the glass, I (of course!) scanned them in for you! I also made copies of the back plates because those are fun too.. the only thing that bothers me a tiny bit is the sensual, somewhat suggestive positions the little girls are in, (almost as if they were 20 not 5) and that the artist called them 'Pets'.  Ahh.. well. A different generation. Isn't it awful that I scew them like that? Such a cynical world we live in now. But, really.. take a look. It is almost like they were made for Lewis Carroll. :)

 

Oh well. Do with the images as you wish.

xoxo~

Abbie

Comments

[Cindy]

Very cute! My mother in law has some old prints depicting scenes from Pride and Prejudice that I intend on bringing home soon. These remind me of those because of the vintage look of them.

[La Marmotine]

So cute! She's look like my twins. Have a nice day. xoxo

[Dianne]

They are so cute... suggestive or not!

[Caron]

Reminds me of this ... http://collections.currier.org/Obj214?sid=52356&x=1108737

[Nancy]

Before i read your post I looked at the pictures and thought the same thing. Nancy P.

[Amy]

Thank you for sharing. Very pretty.

[Tara]

Hi Abbie

Happy Bday! Love these 2 prints--sometimes things do not need to be improved! They look great!

[Vee]

Yes, a completely different time. I'm glad that you saved them as they are. Who knows what their value might be one day when your girls are older?! Charming images no matter what...I think children were often referred to as "pets" as my grandmother's childhood nickname was "Pet."

[Janette]

You're funny (like ha ha, not strange). I thought the same exact thing, then told myself I was either too cynical or a dirty old man. Since I'm not a man I suppose I'm just good old cynical. Thanks for the share.

[Nita Jo]

Pet was a term of endearment (I've read a lot of old Victorian type novels...lol) I understand the first impression... childhood innocence has almost disappeared in our world, but this reminds me of photos of little ones at play. They are loving, without the reservations we adults have, in such a pure way. The prints are gorgeous, and I am with you on leaving them in the original frame. Also, that cradle is wonderful!

[Jenna]

I think you mean Lewis Carroll, not C.S. Lewis. :)