Hope by George Frederic Watts Value Guide

George Frederic Watts' 'Hope' is a cornerstone of Victorian Symbolism, famously depicting a blindfolded woman atop a globe clutching a lyre with a single remaining string. Its profound message of resilience amidst despair made it one of the most widely reproduced and culturally significant images of the late 19th century.

What Is Hope by George Frederic Watts Worth?

The typical price range for Hope by George Frederic Watts is $150 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the lithograph, specifically the absence of foxing, water damage, or fading from sun exposure.
• The presence of an original or high-quality period-appropriate wood frame which can significantly enhance the $150-$250 valuation.
• The specific printing technique and era, with late 19th-century lithographs generally commanding higher prices than mid-20th-century reprints.
• Provenance or historical labels on the reverse side that confirm its origin in the United Kingdom.

How to Identify Hope by George Frederic Watts?

• Verify the presence of the single intact string on the lyre, a defining allegorical detail of Watts' 1886 composition.
• Check for the artist's signature or specific lithographic marks common to late 19th and early 20th-century UK reproductions.
• Examine the frame and glass; authentic period pieces often feature original Victorian-era wood moulding and thin, wavy antique glass.
• Look for the characteristic Symbolist style where the figure of Hope is seated precariously on a globe against a hazy, atmospheric background.

History of Hope by George Frederic Watts

George Frederic Watts, a prominent English Victorian Symbolist painter, created 'Hope' in 1886. The original oil painting gained immense popularity for its profound message of resilience and optimism even in despair. The image of a blindfolded figure clutching a broken lyre resonated deeply with the public, making it one of Watts's most famous and reproduced works. Its enduring appeal led to numerous prints and reproductions throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ensuring its place as an iconic symbol of hope.