Paul Strand

the photographer's printing notations in pencil on the reverse, flush-mounted, titled, dated, annotated, and credited and initialed by Hazel Strand in pencil and a Light Gallery stamp, with number '77.045,' on the reverse, 1933, probably printed in the 1960s

Estate of Paul Strand

Acquired by the present owner from Light Gallery, 1980

As is frequently seen with Paul Strand's photographs, this print has the photographer's extensive printing notations written on the reverse. Because the print is flush-mounted to thick paper, these are only partially visible. This print, on lightly textured paper, is in very good condition. It is mounted to Canson paper. This print exhibits a full range of tones – from absolute black in the barn to pure white in the sky area – and delivers a great deal of detail. Upon extremely close examination in raking light, a few tiny deposits of original retouching are visible in the barn area. Extending from the lower margin edge into the image is a ½-inch linear crease, with some attendant light discoloration. The corners of the black print margins appear to have been retouched. The reverse of the mount is hinged along its upper edge with 2 pieces of linen tape to a modern mat. On the reverse of the mount are the following notations in pencil: '#142.A' and '#302-C.' Also on the reverse is a line of graphite running the length of the left edge.
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.

The Paul Strand Archive catalogues this image as Ghost Town, Near Red River, New Mexico, 1930.  According to Strand authority Anthony Montoya, Strand made this photograph with his 8 x 10-inch Corona view camera, and it is believed that Strand made only one other print of this image, also slightly enlarged like the print offered here, and now in the collection of The Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Strand did not make any prints of this image at the time of the negative, and the Philadelphia print likely dates to the 1950s or 1960s.