Aaron Siskind 1903-1991

flush-mounted to Masonite, numbered '18' and annotated with a directional arrow by the photographer in pencil, a Museum of Modern Art exhibition label, with typed title and photographer's credit, and a Museum of Modern Art loan label on the reverse, 1951

The photographer to a student

Acquired from the above by Ehlers/Caudill Gallery, Chicago, circa 1996

To Andrew Roth at Glenn Horowitz Bookseller, East Hampton, New York

Acquired by Nancy Richardson from the above, 1997

New York, The Museum of Modern Art, Diogenes with a Camera II, November 1952 -- March 1953

This early exhibition print is flush-mounted to Masonite. This style of presentation, in which the photograph is displayed unglazed, was used by Siskind in the early 1950s. A number of other lots in the Richardson Collection are similarly presented (see Lots 46, 47, 50, and 58). The print is in quite good condition. As is typical of photographs mounted to Masonite, the surface of this print has, over time, developed a slightly craquelure appearance. This does not detract from the overwhelming appearance of this impressive print, or diminish its considerable object quality
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.

This photograph was shown in The Museum of Modern Art exhibition Diogenes with a Camera II in late 1952 and early 1953.  The Diogenes exhibition series, curated by Edward Steichen, was named for the Greek philosopher dedicated to the search for truth, and each Diogenes exhibition was devoted to exploring the work of a small group of photographers in depth.  Aside from Siskind, Diogenes II showcased the work of Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Todd Webb, and Tosh Matsumoto.  The press release for the exhibition states that each of these photographers was 'seeking a variety of truths; each is seeking in a highly selective manner, differently through each pair of eyes; none is using tricks or subterfuges.' 

Paint on Blistered Paint was one of 19 photographs by Siskind included in the exhibition.  His artist statement, printed on a panel hung adjacent to his pictures in the exhibition, is as follows:

'When I make a photograph I want it to be an altogether new object, complete and self-contained, whose basic condition is order. 

'What is the subject matter of this very personal world? It has been suggested that these shapes and images are underworld characters, the inhabitants of the vast common realm of memories that have gone down below the level of conscious control.  It may be they are. 

'However, I must stress that my own interest is immediate and in the picture.  What I am conscious of and what I feel, above all, is the picture I am making, the relation of that picture to others I have made and, more generally, its relation to others I have experienced.'