Paul Strand

waxed platinum print, flush-mounted, signed, titled, and dated in green ink on the reverse, framed, 1933 

Paul Hertzmann, Inc., San Francisco

Irving Galleries, Palm Beach, 2000

Strand made this photograph, and that in Lot 29, with his 5 x 7-inch Graflex camera. According to Montoya, Strand masked the film plane and ground glass to alter the format of this camera and render a 4-5/8 x 5-7/8-inch image. In order to photograph without detection, Strand fitted the camera with an optical prism, allowing him to make portraits without pointing his camera directly at his subjects. This platinum print has warm, creamy highlights and rich, dark blacks. As is typical of Strand's platinum prints from this period, it has been coated by the photographer with wax or varnish. It is essentially in excellent condition. The print is trimmed to the image, and there is very minor wear and chipping along the edges. In raking light, a small spidery disturbance in the emulsion is visible in the upper left quadrant. Also visible in raking light are the following: a few tiny glossy deposits of indeterminate nature; deposits of original retouching; and 2 small hairline scratches near the right side of the sitter's hat and near the lower-right edge. This print is flush-mounted to heavy board. Yellowed adhesive and abrasions to the upper paper-ply on the reverse of the mount suggest that it was previously affixed to a secondary mount. The reverse of the mount is signed, titled, and dated in green ink. Also on the reverse, Strand crossed out a misspelling of the title. The number '#18' is written in an unidentified hand in 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.

According to Strand authority Anthony Montoya, no other platinum prints of this image have been located.  Aside from the present print, there is an enlarged gelatin silver print in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there titled 'Seated Man, Hidalgo, Mexico, 1933.'