Frantisek Drtikol

pigment print, the photographer's blindstamp on the image, flush-mounted, mounted again, signed and dated in pencil on the mount, signed, titled, numbered 'IV,' and annotated with the photographer's studio address 'Praha II. Vodičkova 7. É. S. R' and 'Pigment' in ink, numerical notations in pencil and red crayon, and with U-P Museum Praha and number stamps on the reverse, framed, 1927

Estate of the photographer

Galerie Rudolf Kicken, Cologne

Robert Miller Gallery, New York

Private Collection, acquired from the above, 1994

Sotheby's New York, 23 April 2003, Sale 7885, Lot 179

Drtikol, Katalog 10, Rudolf Kicken Galerie, 1983, pl. 9 (this print)

Vladimir Birgus, Fotograf Frantisek Drtikol (Prague, 1994), pl. 71

This print has all of the richness and presence characteristic of Drtikol's best pigment prints. The dark areas have great depth, and the highlights a creamy tonality. Aside from very minor wear at the periphery, the print is essentially in excellent condition. The tip of the upper right corner is creased, with attendant retouching, and the emulsion is lifting slightly along the upper and upper-right edges. The textured cream-colored mount is somewhat soiled and darkened at the edges . The margin corners are bumped and the upper left corner is slightly creased. 'CHARK 5/5' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil in the lower left corner of the mount. The reverse of the mount is soiled, and there are thin strips of paper tape along the left and right edges. '139,' '326,' and '20/14a' are written in an unidentified hand in red crayon or pencil.
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.