Carleton E. Watkins

mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, framed, circa 1878-81

Acquired from Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, 2009

This print is in generally excellent condition. Grading this albumen print on a scale of one to 10 – a 10 being an albumen print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail – this print rates a 10. When examined in raking light, the print's surface appears to have a linen-like texture, perhaps a result of the mounting process. At the image periphery, there is a 1/4-inch band of very lightly faded tonality. Upon very close examination in raking light, occasional surface scuffs are visible, as are a few tiny impressions, none of which appear to break the emulsion. The mount is slightly age-darkened. A thin strip of linen runs along the upper mount edge, indicating that this print was originally bound in an album. On the reverse of the mount, there is a 2-1/2-inch abrasion to the top paper-ply in the upper right corner. 'CW 1704' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse. On the reverse of the frame, there is a Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, label, with printed credit, title, date, and medium.
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.
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