Brassaï

ferrotyped, signed, titled, and dated in ink and with the photographer's '81, Faubourg St-Jacques' studio/copyright and 'Tirage de l'Auteur' stamps on the reverse, 1932, probably printed in the 1950s or 1960s (Brassai: The Monograph, p. 23; Tucker, fig. 23, from the same sitting)

Acquired from Marlborough Gallery, New York, 1975

This ferrotyped print, on medium-weight paper, is in generally excellent condition. A small handling crease is visible near the right upper edge of the print. In raking light, a few tiny deposits of original retouching are visible. The reverse of the print is hinged with linen tape to a mat. The photographer's studio/copyright stamp reads as follows: '81, Faubourg St-Jacques, Paris 14eme, Tél. 707.23.41.' The reverse is numbered 'Re.' 4.' in ink and '27' (circled) in pencil. This print appears to fluoresce when examined under ultraviolet light. We base our dating of this print on the print quality, presentation, and stamps on the reverse. Unlike Brassai's later prints from the 1970s, which are generally mounted and signed on the mount, this print is unmounted and bears his credit and studio stamps and annotations on the reverse. Also characteristic of earlier prints of images by the photographer, this print is ferrotyped, unlike prints made under his supervision beginning in the 1970s.
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.