I am not sure if this is qualifies as a "painting," a "print," or a painted print. I can see and feel what I think are brush strokes (it is not completely flat), but it does have a flatter feel to it than what I would expect from an oil painting. I wonder if it was an old print that was painted over? I really don't know how to tell. It is shiny. There is no signature or initials that I see, although I do not know what could be underneath the frame. The frame is gold and ornate and "looks" like it is antique, especially the way it is framed on the back (no paper backing, nails, wood). I also bought it at antiques auction where they only sell old things, so I am sure it is not modern.
The frame measures 24" x 24". There is no glass or anything on the front--also an indicator (to me) it is some type of "painting" rather than solely a print. It seems to be in very good condition considering its probable age. The painting (or painted print, or whatever it is) looks really good. I found two very small dots that look like flecks of dirt that will probably come off, but I hesitate to do that myself. The top right corner has a long (maybe 4") line that isn't a scratch--it is either an intentional (or unintentional?) brush stroke or possibly a crease? I really don't know how to tell. There may possibly be other ways the piece isn't perfect, but I can't see them.
The frame does have some scuffs, scratches, paint wear/flecks/peels, and nicks, and when I look closely I can see tiny little cracks on the edges. The frame is not perfect, but I think it still looks really good.
I don't know what this item is worth, if anything, particularly because I don't know much about it. I thought I'd throw it out there into the ebay marketplace just to see, but if it doesn't go for the original listing/auction price, I plan to keep/display it myself because it is so, so, so pretty (so I am not open to offers).
Please look at the photos carefully, as what you see is what you get. By bidding, you acknowledge the item is in the condition described and pictured above (could be print, painted print, or painting), that I don't know much about it, and is sold as is/what-you-see-is-what-you-get.
Thank you for looking. :) Should you have any additional information about this piece, feel free to pass it along and I will update accordingly.
On Dec-27-13 at 08:02:55 PST, seller added the following information:
Additional info. from friendly ebayers:
"This is likely someone else's interpretation of the JF Herring print that was so popular from the late 1800s on. I've even read that every classroom worth its salt had a Pharaoh's Horses on the wall...Can't help you with what medium was used to create this, but it's not the Herring version. Hope this helps and good luck."
****Generally, items are shipped with insurance (and not signature confirmation). Should you want signature confirmation as well, please contact the seller before item is paid for/shipped to make arrangements for this addition. Thank you!