Lewis Baltz

flush-mounted, the edges of the print and mount with black ink, mounted again, signed and dated in ink and with a typed information label, with credit, title, and date on the reverse, 1973

The photographer to Theresa Luisotti

Private collection, Los Angeles

Phillips de Pury & Company, New York, 18 October 2006, Sale 40206, Lot 7

Lewis Baltz, Prototype Works (Göttingen, 2011), pl. 74

This early print of a scarce image from the 'Prototypes' series exemplifies the photographer's distinctive presentation style in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is flush-mounted to another sheet of photographic paper, trimmed to the image, and mounted again to a creamy white board. The edges have been inked, and the photographer has clipped the corners. It is in generally excellent condition.
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 present Prototype print is characteristic of Baltz's handling of his work from this period. He trimmed the print to the image, flush mounted it to another sheet of processed photographic paper, clipped the corners diagonally, and accentuated the edges with india ink so that the print would stand out from the off-white Strathmore board to which the whole was mounted.