Ansel Adams

a group of 4 prints on Dassonville Charcoal Black paper, comprising Sierra Peak on Glacier Ridge; Yosemite Crags; Milestone Mountain; and Sierra Peak, Glacial Cirque, each signed 'Ansel E. Adams' and titled in pencil in the margin, circa 1925-27; each accompanied by the original mat backboard, the 'Ansel Easton Adams Parmelian Print' letterpress label with pencil number on the reverse (Lane Collection, pls. 83 and 88; Ansel Adams at 100, pl. 23) (4)

Each of these early prints, while labeled on their early mounts as Parmelian prints, are actually on Dassonville Charcoal Black paper, which is more substantial in weight and rigidity than Kodak Vitava, the paper on which Adams printed his Parmelian prints. Each print is warm-toned, possibly somewhat sunned, and has a matte surface. They are all in very good to excellent condition. Each has been removed from its original mount and, in the margin corners, has either cellulose tape remains or slight staining from having once been affixed to the mount with small pieces of cellulose tape. The mounts, consecutively numbered 1308 through 1311, have small adhesive and cellulose tape remains on the recto, as well as a strip of brown paper tape at the top edge. The reverse of the mounts are uniformly soiled and scuffed, with rubbing and age-darkening at the periphery. On the reverse of 'Yosemite Crags,' there are fingerprints and loss of the paper ply at the lower left edge. 'Milestone Mountain' (#1308), 1927 - 'Lane Collection,' pl. 83 'Sierra Peak, Glacial Cirque' (#1309), 1927 - This print exhibits not only a wide tonal range, but also a high degree of contrast. (Morgan & Morgan, pl. 7; Lane Collection, pl. 88; '400 Photographs,' p. 42; 'Yosemite and the Range of Light,' pl. 56) 'Sierra Peak on Glacial Ridge' (#1310) - This print exhibits not only a wide tonal range, but also a high degree of contrast. ('Ansel Adams at 100,' pl. 22) 'Yosemite Crags' (#1311) - There is slight silvering at the right and left edges of the print.
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.