Lot 33
  • 33

Karl Blossfeldt

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Karl Blossfeldt
  • DISPACUS LUCINAIATUS
  • Gelatin silver print
numbered '44' in the negative, annotated 'doppelt Nr. 5' in pencil on the reverse, framed, Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, and Matthew Marks Gallery, New York, labels on the reverse, 1920s

Provenance

Collection of Gerd Sander

Houk Friedman Gallery, New York

Acquired from Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, 1996

Exhibited

San Francisco, Fraenkel Gallery, Open Secrets: Seventy Pictures on Paper 1815 to The Present, 1996

Literature

Open Secrets: Seventy Pictures on Paper 1815 to The Present (San Francisco, 1996), p. 44 (this print)

Ann and Jurgen Wilde, eds., Karl Blossfeldt Photography (Ostifildern-Ruit, 1998), p. 73 (cropped)

Hans Christian Adam, Karl Blossfeldt (Cologne, 1999), p. 119 (cropped)

Art Forms in the Plant World (New York, 1985), pl. 44 (cropped)

Karl Blossfeldt Photographs (Cologne, 1994), p. 39 (cropped)

Condition

This rare early print, on single-weight paper with a glossy surface, is in generally excellent condition. This print delivers a fascinating amount of detail about this plant structure. In high raking light, a very small, soft crease, a few tiny impressions, and small deposits of original retouching are barely visible. These are not immediately apparent and do not detract in any way from the overall fine quality of this print. There are black margins along the left, upper, and lower edges. There is extremely minor wear along the lower and right edges, with miniscule chipping.
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.