Ansel Adams

mounted, signed 'Ansel E. Adams' in pencil on the mount, the photographer's San Francisco studio label (BMFA 3) and title and date in pencil on the reverse, 1932 (400 Photographs, p. 75)

This luminous early print is in generally excellent condition. In raking light, a few tiny impressions that do not appear to break the emulsion, and faint age-appropriate silvering at the print's edges, are visible. Moderate foxing is visible on the mount, but this does not intrude upon or appear to affect the image. The mount is lightly sunned at the print's periphery, and the mount corners are creased and bumped. The reverse of the mount is appropriately age-darkened. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. Our dating of this print is based upon the date '1932' in pencil on the reverse of the mount, as well as the authors' assessment of the use dates of label 3 on the reverse of the mount: 1930 to 1935. Additionally, the signature on the present print also helps to date it. The period between 1932 and 1934 represents a transitional period regarding Adams's signature. Prior to 1932, he generally signed his work 'Ansel Easton Adams.' Between 1932 and 1934, he is known to have signed as 'Ansel E. Adams.' After 1934, he no longer used his middle initial.
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.