Eliot Porter

3 photographs, 1 dye-transfer and 2 gelatin silver prints, including 'Aspens, Autumn N.M.,' 'Fog, Maine Woods,' and 'Bird in Flight,' each mounted, the 'Photograph by Eliot Porter' stamp and a 'Photography Collection of the Polaroid Corporation' label, with typed title and annotations and accession date in ink, on the reverse, 1950s, printed no later than 1957 (3)

Acquired from the photographer in May 1957 for the Library Collection

Aspens:

The Polaroid Book (Köln, 2008), p. 310 (this print)

These prints are in generally very good to excellent condition except where noted. The annotations in ink on the 'Polaroid Corporation' labels on the reverse of the mounts indicate that these prints were acquired in May 1957. 'Fog, Maine Woods' - In raking light, a few tiny droplets of indeterminate nature are visible. In the upper left quadrant of the image is a small raised area, likely particles trapped between the print and the mount during drymounting. Above the print on the mount is a one-inch droplet of indeterminate nature. On the reverse, the mount is affixed to the mat with 4 small pieces of cloth tape along the top, left and right edges. 'Bird in Flight' - Visible in raking light are small deposits of original retouching and a few raised areas, likely particles trapped between the print and the mount during drymounting. There are two tiny chips at the top and bottom edges of the print. The corners of the mount are bumped or lightly bent and there is a one-inch loss to the top ply of the mount in the lower left corner. There are three pen-point-sized areas of foxing on the mount. There is graphite-colored soiling on the reverse of the mount and abrasions to the label. 'Aspens, Autumn N.M.' - The colors are rich and do not appear to have faded. In raking light, a few small transparent deposits of indeterminate nature are visible. The edges of the mount are lightly soiled from handling, and the corners are bumped. The typed label on the reverse of the mount reads: 'Eliot Porter "Aspens" (Dye Transfer Print) $25. / IMPORTANT Not for Reproduction Without the Written Permission of the Photographer.' There are fingerprints along the periphery.
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.