Ansel Adams

4 photographs, comprising 'Oak Tree - Snowstorm,' 'El Capitan - Winter,'  'Valley View,' and 'Half Dome, Merced River,' each mounted, signed by the photographer in ink on the mount, his 'Special Edition' stamp, the series numbers and titles in ink on the reverse, each framed, 1936-50, printed later; together with a Portrait of Adams by Richard Byrd, signed, dated, and inscribed by Adams in ink, and other ephemera (6)

Gift of the photographer to the present owner's late wife

These photographs are in generally excellent condition, except where noted. In raking light, some small deposits of original retouching are visible overall. 'Oak Tree - Snowstorm,' no. 300 in an unspecified edition. 'El Capitan - Winter,' no. 333 in an unspecified edition - In the lower right quadrant, an eraser-head-sized coffee-colored deposit of indeterminate nature is visible. There is a tiny loss of emulsion in the upper mountain area. 'Valley View,' no. 537 in an unspecified edition - The reverse of the mount is hinged with cloth tape to a mat. 'Half Dome,' no. 1165 in an unspecified edition - The reverse of the mount is hinged with cloth tape to a mat. The portrait of Adams by Byrd is in generally good condition. There are pin-point-sized impressions throughout the image, some of which appear to break the emulsion. The inscription on the mount reads: 'For Betty - Ansel Adams, Carmel 8-17-76.' The mount is age-darkened. Ephemera with this lot includes various small snapshots of Adams, exhibition catalogues and newsletters, and a copy of Time Magazine's September 3, 1979, issue entitled 'The Master Eye: Photographer Ansel Adams.' All ephemera is contained in one small binder.
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.