Lee Friedlander

flush-mounted, mounted again, signed in pencil and with the photographer's '44 South Mountain Road, New City, New York 10956' studio and reproduction rights stamp on the reverse, 1963 (MoMA, pl. 64)

Art Lending Service, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1972

Private Collection, New Mexico

Phillips New York, 28 April 2005, Sale 40105, Lot 222

This early print, on paper with a surface sheen, is in generally good to very good condition. When examined in raking light, 2 pen-point-sized raised areas, likely particles trapped between the print and the mount, are visible at the right side, as well as a one-inch handling crease at the left side of the print that likely occurred before or during dry-mounting. The cream-colored mount is age-darkened at the periphery, and there are 2 small cloth tape remains at the upper corners on the front 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.

This print comes originally from The Museum of Modern Art's Art Lending Service.  The Art Lending Service was launched in 1951 by the Junior Council of MoMA as a forum to educate young collectors about contemporary art.  In addition to renting artworks to MoMA members, the Art Lending Service also organized exhibitions from which members could purchase works.  Initially, small groups of exceptional works were exhibited, but in the early 1960s, the exhibitions became themed affairs organized by MoMA curators, highlighting works by both emerging and established artists.  John Szarkowski, Pierre Apraxine, and Grace Mayer were among the curators making the selections for these exhibitions.  Sales of photographs from the Art Lending Service began in 1960.  It functioned successfully for more than thirty years and served as a model for other institutions. Operations ceased in 1982.