Victorian Children Snowball Scene Chromolithograph – Reward of Merit Print c1895

Charming Victorian Classroom Merit Reward Chromolithograph with Teacher Inscription

This Victorian chromolithograph reward print features a charming winter snowball scene with children at play. Antique reward of merit cards like this were commonly given in late 19th-century classrooms and remain popular with collectors of Victorian ephemera, vintage children’s illustrations, and antique chromolithograph prints suitable for framing.

The illustration reflects the nostalgic “storybook childhood” style popularized by Victorian illustrator Kate Greenaway, adopted by American lithographic studios producing educational prints and reward cards in the 1890s. A close inspection of the lower foreground reveals what appears to be a small set of initials, “A.G.”, subtly incorporated into the grass. These may represent the illustrator’s monogram. 

The decorative geometric border surrounding the image is a printed presentation mat, designed to give the appearance of a framed picture. The reverse bears a beautiful handwritten classroom inscription in flowing Spencerian-style script: Presented to Katie Janzer - As a reward of Merit - by P. G. Hernall, Teacher

The print was produced using the traditional multi-stone chromolithography process. The combination of the Boston-style chromolithography, decorative presentation format, and period handwriting places the print comfortably in the circa 1895–1905 period.

Condition: Image maintains bright color with good clarity with small area of color loss along the upper edge. The mat is in overall fair condition with age toning, scattered stains, and edge wear. Evidence of previous scrapbook mounting visible on the reverse. Despite the mat wear, the lithograph remains visually attractive and displayable.