Edward Weston 1886-1958

mounted, signed and dated by the photographer in pencil on the mount, the photographer's 'Edward Weston/Carmel/California/Unretouched Portraits/Prints for Collectors' label, numbered '25-SO' by the photographer in pencil, on the reverse, matted, 1936

Possibly from the Collection of Jean and Zohmah Charlot

Acquired by the present owner from Stephen White Gallery, Los Angeles, early 1980s 

Another print of this image:

Jennifer A. Watts, ed., Edward Weston: A Legacy (Los Angeles: The Huntington Library, 2003, in conjunction with the exhibition), cover and pl. 15

This incredibly well-executed print, with its wide range of tones, maintains the subtle details in the highlights, while still revealing to the discerning eye, a plethora of details in the darkest areas. The photograph, on paper with a semi-glossy surface, is in generally very good condition. Visible in raking light are the following: small deposits of the photographer's original retouching scattered overall; and faint silvering along the periphery. The photograph is mounted to a buff-colored board with a light surface texture. The mount exhibits age-darkening, and a 1/4-inch area of sunning around the periphery of the photograph. A small amount of foxing is visible along the edges of the front and back of the mount. The overmat is adhered to the top edge of the mount. The overmat is age-darkened and has soiling along the edges. The bottom left corner of the overmat has a small tide line.
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 rare dune study is not listed in Conger, although dunes from related negatives 24SO and 26SO are reproduced there.  At the time of this writing, only a handful of other prints of this image have been located: a 1940s print in the collection of the Huntington Library, Pasadena, California, one of over 500 photographs given by Weston to the Huntington in the early 1940s; and three prints sold at auction in recent years in New York, only one of which was likely a comparable early print from 1936.

This photograph may have been owned originally by Weston's friends Jean and Zohmah Charlot.  Please see Lot 5 for more information regarding the present print's provenance.