Irving Penn

platinum-palladium print, flush-mounted to aluminum, signed, titled, dated, annotated, and editioned '18/39' in pencil or ink, stamped, and with a typed Condé Nast copyright label on the reverse, framed, 1969, printed in 1970 (Passage, p. 182)

This platinum-palladium print on Wiggins Teape paper is in generally excellent condition. The reverse of the mount is hinged with linen tape along its upper edge to a mat. The image periphery is ever-so-slightly darker where the mat covers the print. The edition stamp on the reverse indicates that in addition to the 39 numbered prints in platinum, there may also exist no more than 20 signed gelatin silver prints. Of the 39 numbered platinum prints, Penn has written that '20 prints of this edition are with lettering as posters.' On the reverse of the mount, '400' (circled) is written twice in pencil. The Condé Nast copyright stamp is dated '1983' and it is annotated in pencil, 'courtesy of Vogue.' The Condé Nast typed copyright label titles the print 'Torso (Cameroon).' Some corrective liquid is visible on the label, as well as a small deposit on the mount. Also on the reverse of the mount, there are some abrasions to the top paper-ply at the edge. This does not effect the print. On the reverse of the frame there is a Michael H. Lord Gallery, Milwaukee, label, with typed credit, title, date, edition, and medium.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.