Ansel Adams

mounted on Crescent board, signed by the photographer in ink on the mount, his Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5 and 6), titled by him ink, on the reverse, matted, 1958, printed no later than 1963 (Morgan & Morgan, pl. 95; Trees, p. 7; Letters and Images, p. ii; Ansel Adams 1902-1984, p. 20; The Eloquent Light, unpaginated; Yosemite and the Range of Light, pl. 66; 400 Photographs, p. 373; Classic Images, pl. 63; Lane Collection, pl. 49: Examples, p. 63; Autobiography, p. 177)

This early print, on paper with a slight surface sheen and with a range of gray tones, is in generally fair condition. The edges are rubbed, with significant tiny chipping on all sides. In raking light, the following are visible: light, age-appropriate silvering at the periphery; a number of tiny indentations and faint surface scratches that do not break the emulsion; five transparent droplet-like deposits of indeterminate nature; and a faint, dark deposit at the lower edge. The cream-colored mount, trimmed to one to 1 1/2 inches around the print, is sunned. There are small remnants of adhesive near the top edge on the front of the mount, and a small rust-colored droplet at the upper left. The reverse of the mount is lightly soiled, with an abraded upper left corner. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. Our dating of this print is based upon the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse of this print: 1962-1963.
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.