Ansel Adams

2 photographs, 'Marion Lake' and 'Middle Fork,' each mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, titled in pencil on the reverse, 1936 (2)

Gift of the photographer to Julius A. Martinek of the National Park Service

By descent to the present owners

These early prints, warm-toned and on paper with a semi-glossy surface, are mounted on slick light gray boards. The captions and dates in ink on the reverse indicate that these were made in February 1936. 'Marion Lake' - this print is in generally good condition. There is rubbing at the edges, and in raking light, the following are visible: light silvering at the periphery; tiny deposits of original retouching in the upper portion; and light scuffing and faint, light scratches on the surface. These are not visible at a normal viewing distance. The mount is rubbed at the edges, has bumped corners and a creased lower right corner. There is light soiling on the front and the reverse of the mount, as well as age-darkening at the periphery. On the reverse, there are small abrasions at the lower right edge. 'Middle Fork, Kings Canyon' - this print is in generally fair to good condition. The edges are rubbed, and there is small chipping in the lower left corner and in the top left and lower right edges. In raking light, the following are visible: silvering at the periphery; impressions from writing in the upper portion; tiny deposits of original retouching; small, faint scratches and indentations throughout. The mount's edges are rubbed, and the corners are bumped. The upper corners are creased. There is light soiling and age-darkening at the edges on both the front and the back of the mount.
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.

The Ansel Adams photographs in this lot come from the collection of Julius A. Martinek (1922 – 2007), who became acquainted with the photographer during Martinek's tenure with America's National Park Service.

The Traverse City, Michigan, native began his career in 1949 as a ranger at Mount Rainier and Sequoia National Parks, following his service as a Naval fighter pilot during World War II and subsequent graduation in forestry from Michigan State University.  His administrative career with the Park Service included a stint as Assistant Superintendent at Yellowstone National Park and as a planner for the Park Service in Washington, D. C., where he also served as Director of the National Capitol Parks.

While serving at the National Park Service's headquarters in Washington, Martinek was an advisor and goodwill ambassador for the planning and administration of other nations' parks and game preserves. In 1967 he headed the National Park Service team sent to Tanzania to assist in planning Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.  In 1971, he was selected to be the first superintendent of his home state's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

It is likely that Martinek encountered Adams in the course of his efforts to promote the National Parks, a cause that was dear to Adams as well.