Lot 44
  • 44

Ansel Adams

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 USD
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Description

  • Ansel Adams
  • PORTRAIT OF ALFRED STIEGLITZ
  • gelatin silver print
mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, mounted together with a remnant of the original frame backboard, inscribed 'For Beaumont Newhall - from Ansel Adams [and] Alfred Stieglitz - May this picture ever recall the many living hours we, you B. N., & I spent together at An American Place' and dated 'July 1940' by Stieglitz in ink, 1940

Provenance

Gift of the photographer and Alfred Stieglitz, 1940

Condition

The photograph, on a slick white mount, is in generally excellent condition. In raking light, a few pin-point-sized impressions, not breaking the emulsion, are visible overall. The remnant of the original frame backing is age-darkened. There is a 3-inch tideline near the right edge, as well as liquid staining overall. The edges are worn, and there is some deterioration. Stieglitz's inscription remains bold and strong. There is a strip of grey linen tape along the upper edge of the mount. The reverse of the mount exhibits light soiling from handling.
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.

Catalogue Note

Alfred Stieglitz's 'An American Place' gallery was a mecca for aspiring artists, photographers, and collectors from its opening in 1929 until its close in 1950.  It was there that Beaumont Newhall first met Stieglitz in the early 1930s, and there that Ansel Adams had a landmark exhibition of his photographs in 1936.