Brett Weston

mounted, signed and dated by the photographer in pencil on the mount, matted, 1939

The photographer to his aunt, Mary Weston Seaman

By descent to her daughter, Jeannette Seaman

By descent to her nephew, John W. Longstreth

This early print, on paper with a slight surface sheen, and on a thick, smooth, buff-colored mount, is in generally excellent condition. When examined in raking light, tiny deposits of original retouching and very slight, age-appropriate silvering are visible in the dark areas at the periphery of the print. The mount is age-darkened, particularly at the periphery, and there is light soiling on the front and back. Notations 'L84.2003.6' and 'EWP79' are written in unidentified hands in pencil on the reverse.
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.

Taken while Brett Weston was living in San Francisco, Cypress Tree and Rocks combines his interests in both the abstract forms and diverse views offered by the Pacific coast.  In the present image, Brett has framed the Pacific by a group of large rocks and a barren cypress tree with twisting branches. 

In 1939, when the present image was made, Brett was working, like so many other artists during the Depression, for the Federal Art Project.  The FAP was responsible for providing much-needed jobs for artists, artwork for public buildings, and art education.  As a supervisor of the photographic section of FAP, Brett was responsible for training and overseeing the work of twenty different photographers, in addition to producing work of his own.