Ansel Adams

mounted to Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, two Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5 and 6), titled and annotated in ink, on the reverse, 1941, probably printed between 1962 and 1963 (400 Photographs, p. 175; Classic Images, pl. 32; Ansel Adams at 100, pl. 96)

This luminous print, on paper with a smooth surface sheen, is in generally excellent condition. Visible only in raking light in the sky portion are: evidence of a few particles trapped between the mount and the print, as well as a small area near the center top edge where the print's adhesion to the mount is uneven. Visible upon close examination in raking light is an area in the upper right quadrant of the image that has less of a surface sheen than the surrounding area. There is also a small crease in the print in the upper right quadrant that was present in the print prior to, or that occurred during, mounting. A few small deposits of original retouching are visible upon close examination, primarily in the middle band of the image. On the reverse of the mount, the photographer's Carmel studio stamp (BMFA 6) is annotated in ink: negative no. '1-SW-31.' Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. The authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse of the print's mount is 1962 to 1963.
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.