Hello,

This item is a hand-colored lithograph, possibly from the late 19th to early 20th century, depicting a grand ballroom scene believed by the client to feature George Washington entering a courtly gathering. The print measures 38 x 28 inches and is housed in what appears to be an ornate, original gilded frame with a Rococo-style crest.

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Historical and Artistic Context

This type of print is commonly referred to as a “chromolithograph with gouache highlights”, a decorative medium popular in the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Such prints were mass-produced yet hand-finished with watercolor or gouache to create the illusion of a painting. The scene is theatrical and aristocratic, featuring finely dressed figures in powdered wigs and military uniforms in what seems to be a European—not early American—setting.

The name “J. D. Pardoe” visible in the image may refer to the printer or artist, though no widely documented American or European artist by this exact name is recorded in major art databases, which suggests this could be a decorative print or part of a salon-style genre popular with 19th-century bourgeois buyers.

Importantly, the presence of a chandelier, arched mirrors, and formal attire in the depiction likely indicates a French or Central European ballroom, and not a Colonial American context. While it may have been marketed as Washington-themed, stylistic evidence strongly points elsewhere.

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Condition and Features

The print appears in good condition from the provided photos, with visible surface gloss and even coloration. The elaborate gilt frame adds decorative value, although its weight and material should be confirmed (likely gesso on wood). Reflection in the glass makes it difficult to fully assess the lithograph’s surface, but no discoloration or tears are visible.