Expert: Ben Mahmoud - 2/7/2008

Question
Thank you for your answer to my earlier question.  I apologize but I misspelled the artist's name.... it is William James Hurlbut... it is a 1903 Taber-Prang Art Co. print named "Caught." Could you re-check this artis.  I looked but could not find any info on him.  Thank you.

Answer
That's a bit better.  I did find some information about Hurlbut, and even some information about the reproduction that you have.

The Taber-Prang Art Company make inexpensive reproductions for public consumption.

Here is what I found:


Romance and Fishing, 1903 CAUGHT is the title of this wonderful vintage print showing guy and his pretty girl at the old fishing hole. A big fish has taken his bait and the pole bends nearly in half as his attention is only on the girl. The picture was drawn by William James Hurlbut and is copyright 1903 by W. H. Gallagher, New York. Publisher was Taber-Prang Art Co., Springfield, MA. It measures 13.75-in. by 10.75-in. and is mounted under glass in a 12-in. by 15-in. solid wood frame from about the same era. It’s a cute one! (3109)

This item was listed in a contemporary catalog and priced (framed) at $24.95.

I have had some experience with Taber-Prang prints.  Usually, their value is not very great.  I suppose this is became there were so many of them made.

Sorry to have to burst any bubble.

Best wishes.

Ben Mahmoud