W. Eugene Smith

mounted to gray board, the photographer's '15 West 47th Street, New York 36, NY' studio and other stamps and notation 'Set #1' in ink on the reverse, 1957-58 (A Photographer's Notebook, pl. 58)

This impressive early photograph, with a wide range of black and grey tones and on paper with a surface sheen, is in generally excellent condition. Visible in raking light are the following: age-appropriate silvering in the dark areas at the print's periphery; a few small faint surface impressions along the left edge of the print; tiny deposits of matte, liquid droplets of indeterminate nature; and a small raised area along the left edge, likely particles trapped between the print and the mount during drymounting. There is very minor edge chipping. The light blue-grey mount is in generally good condition. Rust-colored liquid droplets and staining of indeterminate nature are visible throughout the mount. Along the top and bottom edges of the mount are 4 thin one-inch darkened areas from prior hinges. On the reverse of the mount, '5' and 'B-C' are annotated in unidentified hands in pencil. There is light graphite-colored fingerprint soiling along the periphery on the reverse. This print was acquired by the present owner from Gallery 292, New York, in 1996.
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.