Jacques-Henri Lartigue

warm-toned, number 'F6' and illegible annotation in pencil on the reverse, framed, an Irving Galleries label on the reverse, 1930-32

The photographer to Renée Perle

By descent to her heirs

Sotheby's London, 6 May 1999, Sale 9306, Lot 255

Irving Galleries, Palm Beach, circa 2000

This large, early, warm-toned print, on single-weight paper with a slight surface sheen, is in generally very good condition. The edges are rubbed, and there are some tiny losses, particularly at the corners. The corners are bumped. When examined in raking light, the following are visible: small, soft handling creases overall; and small deposits of original retouching, notably around the forehead, eyebrows, and chin. The reverse of the print is soiled, and there are dark gray paper remnants at the left edge and lower right corner, as if it has been previously mounted.
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.

The portrait offered here comes originally from Renée Perle’s personal collection of photographs that was dispersed at a series of auctions at Sotheby’s in London and New York in 1997, 1998, and 1999.   A Romanian-born model, the beautiful Perle met Lartigue in Paris in 1930, and during the two years of their subsequent affair he photographed her obsessively.  As these photographs were made for very private reasons, early prints are consequently scarce.