Peter Beard

a unique object, brown paper mailing envelope, signed, dated twice, and annotated in ink, extensively illustrated in colored ink, collaged with French postmarks and stamps, 'Par Avion' labels, and a photograph of an unidentified model, signed and annotated in ink, a contact strip of  3 lighthouse and wave images, and annotated '. . . it's getting a little breezy here,' on the reverse, 1984

This charming object (a mailing envelope), typical of Peter Beard's artistry and creativity, is in surprisingly good condition given that it was mailed almost thirty years ago from France to a New York destination. There is creasing and wear at the edges, and the corners are bumped and creased. The photographer has written his name in two places--in red ink on the front, c/o Lancelot and Marie Entwistle at 9 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, and in green ink on the reverse, with the same address information. He has dated the envelope twice on the front in red and dark purple inks 'Decem. 4th, 1984' and has annotated it 'Urgent' and 'Par Avion.' It is addressed to 'Mr. Mathew [sic] Riva, 116 East 95th Street, New York, N. Y. 10128, U. S. A.' in dark purple ink. The lower half of the front of the envelope is extensively illustrated with a landscape; animals; what looks like a genie; and tiny men in dark purple and blue ink; an elephant, and bird in green ink; a red ink halo around the genie's head; red ink inside the elephant's ear; and a red ink elaboration on the addressee's last name. There is purple ink on the flap on the reverse. There are three 3-franc blue stamps, five orange .30-franc stamps, and three .10-franc stamps on the envelope, with 7 postmarks. In addition, there is an American 'Postage Due' stamp with .63 in ink, 3 'Par Avion' labels, a small circular photograph of a dark-haired model on the lower right corner of the front of the envelope, and a contact sheet strip of three images of a lighthouse and huge wave, with the annotation '. . . it's getting a little breezy here' on the reverse of the envelope.
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.