Hello, this item is a 19th century lithographic print titled “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme,” based on a composition by the English photographer and artist William Powell Frith (1819–1909) and lithographed by T. H. Maguire for the Art Union of London in 1855. The inscription visible on the print indicates “W. P. Frith R.A. drawn on stone,” which reflects the practice of producing lithographs from drawings prepared by the original artist and then transferred to lithographic stone by a specialist printmaker. During the mid 19th century the Art Union of London distributed such prints to its subscribers as part of a program designed to promote contemporary British art. The subject relates to Molière’s famous comedy “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme,” first performed in 1670, and Victorian artists often illustrated scenes from theatrical and literary works that depicted social satire and aristocratic manners. Prints produced through the Art Union were widely circulated, and while they are authentic 19th century impressions, they were issued in relatively large numbers.

From a market standpoint, mid 19th century Art Union lithographs after recognized British artists such as W. P. Frith typically hold modest but stable value, primarily as decorative historical prints rather than rare collector pieces. Condition, paper quality, and whether the print remains in its original margins affect value. Based on the visible toning, age related wear, and the fact that it appears framed under glass, comparable lithographs of similar size generally sell between $100 and $300 USD in the current secondary market. A realistic current market value for this example would fall in the range of approximately $120 to $250 USD.