estateRUTH.

Preliminary identification

Victorian Chromolithograph 'So Tired,' published by The Independent, 1872

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a quintessential Victorian chromolithograph titled 'So Tired,' depicting a young girl and her cat in a moment of domestic repose.

Story

In 1872, the New York weekly newspaper 'The Independent' used this very image to lure in new subscribers, promising a touch of high-society beauty for the average American parlor.

Maker / Origin

Henry Chandler Bowen, the publisher named on the label, was a powerhouse of the 19th century—a silk merchant turned media mogul and a staunch abolitionist.

Condition & Value

The print shows visible surface craquelure and some minor foxing, which is typical for 150-year-old paper. The frame has some light scuffing but retains its original finish. The presence of the original backing and labels is a major plus for historical integrity.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD