Antique Tramp Art Frame with Alfred Tennyson Engraving (c. 1870s)

This unique piece features a striking example of antique Tramp Art framing housing a 19th-century steel engraving of the British Poet Laureate, Alfred Tennyson. The frame is a charming specimen of folk art craftsmanship, constructed from layers of chip-carved wood with distinct pyramidal notches and finished in a dark paint—likely black—accented with gilt gold tips that highlight the geometric texture. It holds a detailed portrait engraving by J. Stephenson, based on the painting by renowned Victorian artist G.F. Watts.

The engraving was published by the Philadelphia firm Gebbie & Barrie, likely between 1874 and 1876. This date is supported by the biographical text below the image, which notes Tennyson is "now about sixty-four years of age" (born 1810). The print features a facsimile signature ("Yours ever, A. Tennyson") and captures the poet in his characteristic "studied negligence." The piece is mounted in a decidedly rustic manner; please note that the framing is an amateur, primitive job typical of home-crafted folk art. The backing is rough, secured with nails and retaining fragments of the original folio book paper, adding to its authentic, untouched historical character.

Condition:
Tramp art condition consistent with antique age. Chip carvings lengths are loose in spots but remain overall intact. Amateur framing job with an acrylic framing glass. Small bits of debris between glass and black matting.

Measurements:
20 inches in height
16.25 inches in width
1.75 inches in depth

All sales are final so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions prior to purchase. Other objects found in the listing photos are for decorative use only and not included in this purchase.

VINTAGE & ANTIQUE
Vintage and antique items are pre-owned and aged goods. In most cases, we do not clean or polish any items that come into our shop. Once you remove an item's traces of age and patina it's not something you can reverse, so we leave those activities up to the buyer. We do not disassemble found art from their frames unless it is necessary to differentiate a print from an original piece of art. Vintage prints purchased from this shop could originate from any print media (e.g., magazines, books, photographs, art prints, etc.). We try our best to describe items accurately and disclose any and all flaws and imperfections. Please refer to pictures as a visual description. We want to make sure you are happy with your purchase so, please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have prior to checkout.

SHIPPING
As much as possible, we utilize recycled shipping boxes. The box you receive your item in may show signs of wear and pre-use.

PHOTOGRAPHY
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