Robert Frank

large-format Polacolor print after a Polaroid original, an asterisk in ink in the margin, 1985

The Polaroid Book (Köln, 2008), p. 297 (this print)

This Polacolor print is in generally very good condition. Upon close examination in raking light, the following are visible: a ¾-inch starbust crease that appears to break the emulsion near the left edge of the image; a one-inch vertical crease that does not appear to break the emulsion near the upper left edge of the image; and various superficial surface scratches and fingerprints. There are long horizontal cracks extending from the print's left and right edges, and the corners are bent.
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 present print and that in Lot 171 are from a unique and unorthodox collaboration among Frank, Robert Heinecken, Dave Heath, and John Wood funded by Polaroid and intended 'to explore their shared interest in words and images and establish a creative community across the miles' (Amy Rule in Robert Heinecken: A Material History, p. 99).

Initiated in 1983 by Eelco Wolf, Polaroid's Director of Worldwide Communications, the group's correspondence was published in a series of newsletters titled The Knute Rockne Oasis Newsletter and Journal of Critical Opinion that was administered by Susan E. Cohen and William S. Johnson.  Copies now reside in the Robert Heinecken Archive in Chicago.

When funding ceased in 1985, Cohen and Johnson published a limited number of copies of Horses, Sea Lions, and Other Creatures: Robert Frank, Dave Heath, Robert Heinecken, and John Wood for the project participants. The volume included biographies, interviews, and original transparencies. A copy resides at the George Eastman House library.

Sotheby's wishes to thank Amy Rule and Leslie Calmes of the Center for Creative Photography, Tucson, whose information forms the basis of this entry.