Aenne Biermann

mounted, signed and titled in pencil on the mount, the photographer's 'Aenne Biermann, Gera' studio stamp, numbered '2226' in pencil, and reproduction rights stamp on the reverse, circa 1930

Sotheby's London, 17 May 2005, Sale 5430, Lot 94

This print, on very glossy paper, is in generally excellent condition. The following are visible in raking light: age-appropriate silvering in the dark areas at the edges; a few deposits of original retouching; and scattered superficial surface scratches that do not appear to break the emulsion. Upon close examination, two small nicks at the lower left edge of the image are visible. The print is mounted asymmetrically. The edges and corners of the mount are creased and worn, and the upper edge is unevenly trimmed. There is a slight bend and accompanying crease in the left portion of the mount, which has caused the upper left corner of the print to lift slightly from the mount. This bend and crease do not affect the image. There is light foxing on the front and reverse of the mount. On the reverse, the following annotations are written in an unidentified hand in pencil: 'P8707029,' 'C/245,' and 'JGS #3952.' The 'Aenne Biermann, Gera' studio stamp is numbered '2226' in pencil. There is a long cloth tape remnant along the upper edge and abrasions at the lower edge.
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 young Aenne Biermann had a short but notable career as a photographer. The wife of a prosperous industrialist, Biermann took up photography as a hobby, but quickly progressed to a body of work that was featured in multiple exhibitions in her day: the landmark 1929 Film und Foto in Stuttgart, the 1930 Die Neue Fotografie in Basel, and in two one-woman retrospectives in her native Germany. She was only 32 years old when Franz Roh published a book of her photographs, 60 Fotos, the second of 8 planned volumes in his important but unrealized Fototek series—the first had been devoted to the work of Moholy-Nagy.  Although by no means the majority of her oeuvre, Biermann's studies of the natural world are among her most original. She photographed minerals, fruit, plants, and, as the present image shows, an inquisitive gaggle of geese.

Biermann died in 1933 at age 35, and consequently her extant work is limited in quantity.