W. Eugene Smith

ferrotyped, printing notations in pencil in the margins, extensively stamped, including 'USED IN LIFE Sept. 20 1948,' LIFE credit, essay name, number, printing date and technician name stamps, and with annotations, captions, and numbers pencil, china marker, and ink on the reverse, 1948

Time Inc. Picture Collection

Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York, 2003

This early ferrotyped print is the earliest example of this image and was the print that was used by LIFE magazine in 1948 in its 'Country Doctor' photo essay. As one would expect from an archive print, there are a number of soft and sharp handling creases throughout, most of which are visible only in raking light. Two of these creases have resulted in some emulsion loss; the first is a result of a crease in the upper right corner, which also has a small tear; and the second is at the center right in the area of the doctor's sleeve. The margin edges are rubbed, and the corners are bumped and creased. In addition, in raking light, the following are visible: fingerprints at the top of the image; and linear impressions that do not break the emulsion. The reverse of the print is covered with stamps, numbers, and annotations and is lightly soiled. The caption on the reverse reads, '2 1/2 year old Lea Marie Wheatly--parents Kenneth and Stella Wheatly--kicked in head by horse on parents' ranch (ranchers by profession). Examination room at hospital, all minor surgery. Lost her eye--sent her to Denver specialist for confirmation of complete collapse of eye ball and need for false eye. Country Doctor Ernest Ceriani ponders how to explain to parents that little girl will have to lose eye.'
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The print offered here is the actual print reproduced in Smith’s famous ‘Country Doctor’ essay, published in LIFE in 1948.  The doctor is Dr. Ernest Ceriani, photographed as he realizes that his young patient, kicked in the head by a horse, will lose an eye.