Brassaï

ferrotyped, titled and annotated in pencil and ink and with the photographer's '81, Rue du Faub. St-Jacques, Paris XIV, Teleph: Port-Royal 23' and '81, Faubourg St-Jacques, Paris 14eme, Tél. 707.23.41' studio/copyright and 'Rapho Guillumette Pictures' agency stamps on the reverse, circa 1932

Collection of the photographer's widow, Madame Gilberte Brassai, Paris

Acquired from Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York, 2002

This ferrotyped print is in generally very good condition. As is typical of the ferrotyping process, superficial surface scratches, pitting, and a slight unevenness of the generally glossy surface are visible. Upon close examination, several handling creases are visible, as is a tiny adhesion of indeterminate nature near the spire. These issues are consistent with a print of this age, possibly intended for publication purposes. The corners of the print are sharply creased, and the upper and lower right corners appear to have been reinforced with small pieces of scotch tape on the front and masking tape on the reverse. The reverse of the print is annotated 'P.218.U' by the photographer in pencil and ink. Also on the reverse are the following notations in an unidentified hand in pencil: 'P.218.U'; 'no 3' (circled); '35' There are 3 Rapho Guillumette Pictures stamps: 'from Rapho Guillumette Pictures, 59 East 54th Street, New York 22, N. Y., Plaza 5-0712' and 'from Rapho - Guillumette, 415 Fifth Avenue, New York' (in duplicate and crossed out).' The second stamp is dated '3/4/54' in an unidentified hand in pencil. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print does not appear to fluoresce.
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.