UR kidding, right? Troll?
Since you asked, my recommendation is to try to sell them for 50 cents at your next garage sale, or if you don't have the storage space, put them in the dumpster straightaway. They are awful, nicotine-stained reproductions.
Casey

The May Co. was founded in 1923, closed 1993. Department store.

The boy is a commonly produced reproduction of Thomas Gainsborough's "Blue Boy". Not sure about the original artist of the girl/companion piece, tho it's titled "Pinky" per the stamp.

My guess is more vintage than antique, commonly sold at Dept stores. Can't find history on Illinois Moulding but found reference JC Penney carried their items as well.

Here's an ebay listing for the pair, $10.

Frames are probably worth more than the prints inside due to mass production, but hey, if you like them, hang them. Not sure how one would go about a successful repair tho. Don't think it would be worth the time/cost. Perhaps easier to get a pair of same reprints in good condition, same size, and put them in your current frames?

They are very VERY common reproductions of 2 pictures that someone decided ought to be displayed together.
They are cheap and damaged department store "pictures"..even if the frames are cheap they are worth more than the pictures.
If you take the pictures out of the frames you might get $1.00 apiece for the frames in a garage sale.
Bleow is a link to a pair in good condition with glass if you really want to hang them in your house.
Linda C

Here is a link that might be useful: Pinkie and Blue Boy

Good Lord, there really isn't any need for vicious responses. All of us have some areas we aren't proficient in, if we were honest enough to admit it.

Rjinga, sorry you got it between the eyes for your question. Both of these pictures, like said, are reproductions of very famous paintings. Those aren't brushmarks you see, but are on the paper finish and are suppose to give the impression of brush marks. All old papers yellow, nicotine or not. I can tell you these prints are older than 1965, because the company address has a zone, instead of a zip code. So, it's a vintage copy, but a very budget one.

If you particularly like those prints you can buy them printed on canvas rather cheaply. I have one of those (picked up at a yard sale), I know it's a cheaply made fake, but it goes well in a bedroom and I like it. That's all that's necessary in artwork. You torn pic cannot be easily fixed, nor is it worth the money or effort. These pictures have essentially no resale value.

WOW what has happened to these forums, they were at one time a friendly place to come and ask questions. Now they seem to have turned into a place to come and be chastised and belittled. Unbelievable you should all take a look at what you have written before you hit the submit button. A little common courteousy is definitely needed.

A) I find it difficult to imagine anyone so culturally illiterate as not to recognize immediately these portraits, and B) to criticize my assessment of them is a greater waste of bandwidth than the OP in posting them.

Casey

I can tell you these prints are older than 1965, because the company address has a zone, instead of a zip code.

Good catch, calliope! Do you (or anyone) know the artist who did "Pinkie"? I tried to find info on it and nothing came up. I'm very curious about how this particular marriage came about, it seemed to be a popular one. (I remember a great aunt when I was a child that had a large repro of each of the two in her living room.) I searched but just couldn't find anything about her, nor any reference that she was done by Gainsborough as well?

Thomas Lawrence did Pinky circa 1794/. Blue Boy by Thomas Gainesboro just a little earlier....but the two are unrelated because of many other factors.
The age of the print has almost no bearing on it's worth considering the damage.
The two paintings became associated because they were bought by a California collector in the 1920 and were displayed together.
Since they have become part of "popular culture" whatever that means....taking positions along side that pair of angels with the arrows and Girl With the Cherries".
the "Value" of any of these is dependent on the quality and condition of the print....because they all are much reproduced.

My my Casey culturally illiterate - greater waste of bandwidth - In your first post all you could talk about were A)garage sales, B)dumpsters & C)nicotine. We have come a long way in a short time(Breaking out the $2.00 vocbulary!) Let me try lascivious,ribald,abhorrent,execrable,indecorous,invidious. Did not your mother teach you "If you do not have anything nice to say do not say anything!"

Rjinga's question was how would you go about fixing the tear!!!! 1st I would turn it over & see if it goes through to back. It back is punched through then it needs a patch on back before you can do anything with the front. A piece of thin cardboard cut from a gift box with grayish side toward the pic should be secured with masking tape all around the edge Then work on front with colored pencils to lessen the look of a tear.Colored pencils can bbe bought at Michael's Joanne's, maybe even 99 cent store. Use a green, blue & probably tan colors to fill in white parts. If you try to use paint or any kind of liquid it won't work & will cause the area to swell, bubble, tear worse etc. Aaron Bros or other places that have repo art pieces might have a new set that would look lovely in your frames.They would be in a plastic sleeve & called prints I think. Blue Boy & Pinky were much adored in this country many yrs ago. Originals are worth probably over 1 million dollars each so they were very famous paintings & often reproduced. May Co. was bought out by Macy's. At 1 time it had a little better quality than J.C. Penny's.

Forever cognizant of the socio-cultural implications of "Pinkie" and "Blue Boy", I am afraid that I shall be the pariah of this forum but that I forswear my hasty and ill-advised pronunciations. Yours are clearly far and away the best representations of these works that I have seen, excepting of course partaking in the originals at the Huntington many years ago. Treasure them forever.
Their value is not in what someone else would pay for them, but what they are worth to you. Never let crass commercialism crush that part of your spirit in which is enshrined the flame of "art appreciation 101"
Casey

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkie_(Lawrence_painting)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blue_Boy

There appears to be some paper missing in the damaged part, which makes repair difficult. You have to paste down the peeling paper and then paint the missing part to match.

The thing about forums like this is that one assumes everyone who frequents them are well-versed in the subject. We shouldn't because it's not a professional forum, like some on this site, where obviously sophomoric questions are out of place. You either come here to help somebody or to bask in your own perfume.

If you suspect somebody is trolling, just look at the history of their other posts. It should be obvious. I couldn't believe the OP didn't know this was Blue Boy and Pinkie either. So I looked to see what their other posts were like. Many of us who post here have been around a few decades. We remember the reproductions in department stores, but we should also take into account department stores hardly exist anymore and there is an whole adult generation who haven't been exposed to the era of great art repros on a plebian scale.

How could it possibly make anyone feel good to publicly humiliate a person by suggesting they are culturally illiterate? It's especially a pity when a person who has a lot of experience and expertise does it, because it biases their input. Think of all the people who would like to ask a question on a forum like this who won't because they might not want to be set up for public ridicule.

Looks like "Pinkie" also has a nail hole through the top of her bonnet where someone has nailed her to a wall!

I think the best suggestion so far.....take a couple of $$ and buy a whole new set, they're just not worth the time or effort it will take to repair them. MHO only.

Here is Gainsborough's Blueboy from Art.com.

As you can see, yours is quite faded. If you really like the print, it is readily available.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blueboy

And here is Pinky

Here is a link that might be useful: Pinky

Pinky and Blue Boy became pop icons in the 50's - reproduced in every conceiveable fashion... from Halloween costumes to coffee mugs. Watch any re-run of Leave it to Beaver; June and Ward had them on either side of their front door.

I agree, keep them and display them if you love them, but don't invest any time or money making repairs. And for the rest who set themselves up as arbiters of taste, might be good to take a kinder, gentler approach.

I had the good fortune to see both of these paintings on a visit to the Huntington Library in So. California in the 1980's. They were hung in the same room, facing each other across the room as I recall (but it could have been side by side), and they are both VERY large paintings. I have never seen a repro that captures the light in the folds of Pinkie's dress, the perfect child complexion, the wispy quality of the clouds in the background, the exact shade of pink in the bonnet and the ribbons floating in the breeze. I was absolutely captivated, and simply sat and gazed in complete awe. I do not know if these paintings were available for viewing by the public prior to Mr. Huntington purchasing them. If not, that could partially explain their popularity. Or it could be, they are simply wonderful pieces of art that are so beautifully done. Enjoy them, and seeing the originals is a worthy goal! Then your repros will take you back to that magical moment every time you see them on your wall.

Barbara

sombreuil_mongrel my, my "culturally illiterate", who are you and what gives you the right. Now that I have said my piece I will probably lurk here but I will not post again, so do not waste your time with a response. I wouldn't want you falling off that high horse you have placed yourself upon.

Aw, "Blueboy" and "Pinkie" always remind me of my grandmother who also had a pair of these mass-produced inexpensive prints.

I miss her very much, though I do not miss not her taste in kitsch. ;)

You can take a toothpick and dab a little white glue under the lifted paper and press it down. If you have some acrylic paint (because it will match the sheen) mix some Cerulean Blue, White, and add in a tiny bit of Umber. You might need a bit of Cadmium Yellow, too. Test it on a another piece of paper, dry it with a hair dryer and hold it to the painting to see when you get a match. It might take several tries. Apply as little paint as you can to just the white torn parts. Use a tiny brush.

Wow, whoda thunk that an ole, un so fistacated, culture lilly (whatever that ther wurd is for caint spell) bumpkin like me could come here on this here site with all you's "experts" and ask such a down right insult-en question. AND get the insults right back at me. Well that just aint right ya'll. Yo mama's must be so proud.

I simply asked for some thoughts on fixing a tear. Realizing that the material was old (hence the reason to post on the OLD aka antique forum) I figured someone here (thank you sunnyca) might at least have some practical experience in repairing something like this and would offer some assistance. I did NOT know the print, I've never had much exposure to the ART world in general. Perhaps it's just not my forte. It's certainly a personal choice rather than being STUPID as you have assumed. But thanks for the uplifting criticism.

2 words, for you mongrel: SCREW YOU, how's that for culturally illiterate. You are a pompous ass and all I can say is that I hope you are never in a position to EVER interact with anyone who might have a passion for learning art, as you would undoubtedly prove to be a wet blanket to anyone who would dare ask your highness a question. My skin is thick and your kind do not bother me, nor affect me in any way. So just simply get over yourself already.

PS: I would have chimed in sooner, but it appears that the feature to receive email responses was not activated in for this post in error, that surely was a blessing from the GW God's now wasn't it.

PSS: I hung the pictures, did a simple little touch up with a matching paint and they are fine.

PSSS: I will look into my local art store and see if I can get the cheap-o prints here and swap them out. I think they are quite charming in my newly redecorated room.

NOTE: PICTURE BELOW IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART/ALSO NOT FOR MONGREL AKA CASEY AKA JERKWAD:

They look good, and tie into the bedding well!

I did NOT know the print, I've never had much exposure to the ART world in general. Perhaps it's just not my forte. It's certainly a personal choice rather than being STUPID as you have assumed. But thanks for the uplifting criticism.
I hope that you have not been insulted by my comments about where they came from, possible date, etc.? It wasn't meant to show any level of expertise or lack thereof on my part or yours. It's just something I tend to do here, try to research a little, track info down, only because of the nature of the forum itself. Kind of like solving a puzzle to me, I enjoy it. ;) And in the process I learned about Pinkie! I know you didn't specifically ask for background info, but I sort of interpreted it that way from this line: anyone have any ideas or thoughts on these?

Any, hope there's not hard feelings, none were intended.

I don't much care either way, but on the Decorating thread, the OP wrote:

"My parents have collected antiques and have had businesses selling antiques all my life. I've found people in this business to be above the fray, helpful and kind people, maybe it's time to remind those "experts" over there about this known fact. "

And on this thread, says he/she knows nothing about art. So which is it?

This smells like a rather elaborate prank, frankly.

Antiques and art are two subjects that can be completely separate from each other. And there are antiques and antiques...the presence of, and subsequent knowledge of particular types of antiques is subject to a lot of regional influence.

In my area, you can't go to a furniture auction without falling over early nineteenth century furniture. Its an old city with old families and there is a lot of it around. Just by casual observation I have learned to tell some differences between late Federal, Empire, and Classical.

I doubt a regional antique dealer in the area I grew up would recognize these pieces without a reference book. The area I grew up in was not settled until the latter part of the nineteenth century and a dealer there may have a comprehensive knowlege of Bavarian-American vernacular primitives that have never been seen here on the eastern seaboard.

Knowledge of art vs antiques may be mutually exclusive as well as limited but extensive knowledge about one area.

This forum is also about "collectibles" and departmant store reproduction art is collectible. Fine art and fine antiques are really few and far between:)

you guys are too much. Ideefix, sorry but I have more important things to do than foil you all with some "elaborate" prank? Are you for real? give me a break.

I'm in the middle of decorating a room, my mom is arriving Wednesday, I came across these pictures, I thought they would tie in nicely with the colors and theme of the room, but unfortunatley one had a tear, I wanted to try to fix it as best as I could so that I could use it in the room. I was not trying to pass it off as anything at all, I really did not do any research on the origin or content of the pictures, nor did I necessarily care. I asked a simple (so I thought) question and I got reamed a new one.

Seriously, you people feeling the need to jump on me need to get over yourselves. you appear to be a bunch of self righteous know it alls. Perhaps you have somehow failed in the real world at being important art critics, and you feel the need to come here to bully people who dont know as much as you do, who knows.

Moonshadow, I was not in any way offended by your comment or the info you shared. Absolutely no hard feelings.

Did I need to say that my parents collect and sell antiques which include mostly glassware, collectibles, primatives, some antique furntiture, guns, toys dolls, china things of that nature. I also do not include "art" into the antique venue, Although clearly it can be just that.

G's sorry I bothered you all. I'll let you all get back to reruns of the golden girls now.

rjinga - I'm going to assume you are much younger than most of us, since anyone who was walking in the 1960's would have seen these very popular prints over and over again -- they were that popular. I'm sure they'll give your mother a grin --

thanks sweeby, I hope she will enjoy the room too. And I guess I should appologize if I came across mean or rude to anyone genuinely interested in helping me. I sure was NOT expecting the tone that I received from several here.

I'm about done with the room and I am really loving it, I think she will too.

Had to come over from another board to see what the hula was about. Oh my gawd, some of you people are awful. If you can't be helpful, go crawl back under your rock. Got your undies in a wad??? Can't imagine what you are like in real life. Lawsy me!!!! (Yes, this is tongue in cheek for you illiterate kind that don't recognize it.)

Not to beat a dead horse....but I guess I am not the only one here doing so. In your post you asked for "Thoughts on these" and you stated that you had no idea of the value but that they were old.
If you simply wanted advice on how to patch up the hole, why didn't you go to a craft site or Trash to Treasure....why antiques?
If you didn't want an assessment of the pictures, why did you ask what do you think? and if you wanted to know how to patch the hole, why didn't you just post a picture of the damaged print and ask if anyone knew how to fix it?
When you mention the paper on the back and the brush strokes and and the price and then post 5 huge pictures of the pictures, complete with a close up of the price tag and back paper, one must assume that you are looking for more information than just how to patch the hole.

When you post pictures of things on this forum where people are asking and giving information about antiques and collectables you should assume that an assessment will be given.
You asked....you came here....you posted 5 pictures, you got answers.
Linda C

Yes Linda, I did get answers and I got plenty of insults to boot.

Well, again, the simple explanation for ALL of my questions, was that I did not know what it was, I only assumed it was old, again HENCE posting here. If I knew what it was and knew that it was a yard sale throw away at best, do you really think that I'd embarrass myself like that? And subject myself to the horrible, mean and insulting comments that I received?

Of course I would not. And of course I was curious about what if anything they might be, again because I DID NOT KNOW. But that was not my primary interest, my interest was in seeing if anyone could offer some helpful tips on mending an old material.

Which is why I also said:
" I'm more interested in just hanging them so that they are presentable"

I think it's time to let this thread go away now. NUFF SAID

I have to say I just posted something on this forum and now I'm almost afraid of the answers i might get. I post on other forums and have to say I have never seen such answers as you have recieved. I'm sorry and I had nothing to do with this mess!!!! You should be able to ask and just get a simple answer I think. I love your room, it's beautiful and the pictures are a perfect fit!!!!

Well, I think they're hideous kitsch.

Geez, this was entertaining. I really didn't think Casey, et al were offensive, but they sure got my attention.
Diane

Idee...why would you feel the need to say that? I personally find many things that people collect to be somewhat hideous, but I'd NEVER hurt them by saying so. Sheesh what has this forum become? It was ugly before but that's just outright mean and deserves an apology.

ideefixe, opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one, they all stink, and no one wants to see yours.

I'll be certain not to invite you to my torture chamber called a guest room. You'd probably have nightmares. But I'm sure you feel good about weighing in to get your two cents worth in. But was it really necessary? pretty petty if you ask me. I think someone else said it best, if you dont have something nice to say, keep your yap shut.

I have to agree with some of the above comments, this has become just plain mean. I don't have a repro blue boy or pinky, but I proudly display those poker- playing dogs in my guest room, along with other "kitsch" that belonged to family of generations passed. Shame on anyone who judges any of us who want to create a happy atmosphere with acquired items and want to know a little bit about what they have! I have to say, I'm sorry and hope new people will not avoid posting here in the future.

I know this just pops the thread up the the top, which is the opposite place it should be...but *one person was insulting, and the second person made a strange comment about it being a hoax, and they only got insulting in retaliation to the OP response.

Doesn't anyone ever think of just *ignoring *the *comments *they *don't *like? Especially when the original commment is provocative and meant to start a B*tch fest? I think some people like working their aggressions out on these boards and the retaliating parties are almost as guilty as the people who start it up. Ignore It Just Like You Ignore Things In Real Life.

some things are just too ugly to ignore, especially when you are blindsided by remarks that you would never have expected to receive (and then others feel the same sting as they read and they respond to chastise the posters that have been mean and unfairly critical and/or insulting to the OP. And to the contrary, I did not post this to start anything.

NOW IS THAT ENOUGH SAID?

I didnt mean your original post was meant to start a controversy. I mean that sombreils original Response and comments to your post were meant to stir something up. They were clearly mean spirited. I am sorry I was unclear, I did not mean the original post was meant to start anything. I was unclear. I apologize.

That said, it turned into a bunch of commentary on this, and carried over to the Decorating board, that the Antiques board is a place where people go to insult each other. You were not insulted by everyone on this board by a longshot. It started with one person only.

Okay, everybody, break it up!

rjinga, I certainly meant no offense by my posting, I was just reminiscing about seeing these two paintings 'in the flesh'. I felt it was a totally magical experience, and get the same feelings everytime I see them, whether it be repro paintings, on a coffe mug, whatever.

I think they look great in your guest room. Please humor me for a minute and try something. Would you consider swapping the pictures? They were painted by two different artists and are not a 'set', but Pinky is turned ever so slightly to her left and Blue Boy is ever so slightly to his right. By having them face each other, I get a sense of accord and harmony. Please give it a try and let me know what you think.

Barbara

Hello Looks like you did a nice repair on the print...and they look very nice hanging above your bed...guess its best to just ignore people who make rude comments like that one post.....makes you wonder what goes on in their life.....

RJINGA, if it makes you feel any better about your prints, I have an identical print of Pinkie in my space at an antique mall~I thought it might sell for a little girl's room. I love it in the bedroom and hope your Mother enjoys it. Of course *we* know it's just a print, put there are always going to be those who have an air of superiority and *assume* 'you don't know anything'. I hope he knows by his assumption he's making an ASS....out of himself, ONLY!