Julia Margaret Cameron

a plate from Idylls of the King (London: Henry S. King, 1874), albumen print, on a gilt-ruled mount, signed, titled, dated, and annotated 'From Life Registered Photograph' and 'Fresh Water Isle of Wight' by the photographer in ink on the mount, matted, 1874; accompanied by the original leaf of letterpress text by Alfred Tennyson in Cameron's calligraphic hand (The Complete Photographs, cat. no. 1157, p. 472; The Library Chronicle, cover; Ford, p. 21)

Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 - a 10 being a print with rich, deep brown dark tones, and highlights that retain all of their original detail - this print rates a 5. The tones and details are strong at the center of the photograph. The print has significant edge-fading that intrudes approximately 1-inch into the image. The photograph is in generally good condition. In raking light, small linear areas of rubbing and silvering are visible along the print edges. Upon close inspection, small deposits of original retouching are visible. At the bottom left corner, there is a soft crease in the paper. This appears to have occurred before the photograph was mounted, as the mount is not affected. The mount is lightly soiled. There is a long strip of paper tape lining the left edge of the mount, on the front and back, likely from the original album.
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.