Ansel Adams

on Dassonville paper, signed 'Ansel E. Adams' and titled in pencil in the margin, in the original window mat, warmly inscribed by Adams to W. E. Dassonville in pencil on the mat, framed, 1928 (400 Photographs, p. 52)

The family of William Dassonville

John Howell Books, San Francisco

Hans P. Kraus, Jr., New York

Weston Gallery, Carmel

Susie Tompkins Buell, 1991

This unusually large early print, on Dassonville paper, a warm-toned matte-surface paper that exhibits not only a wide tonal range, but also a high degree of contrast, is in generally very good to excellent condition. Upon close examination in raking light, several tiny matte and shiny deposits (likely original retouching) are visible throughout the image. The margin is slightly darkened at the image periphery, and the margin corners are bumped. There are two small fibrous adhesions in the right margin, as well as a small area of faint staining. On the reverse of the print are brown paper remnants in the corners where the print was originally affixed to the paper mat. The original buff-colored paper mat is appropriately age-darkened and soiled from handling. There are abrasions to the top paper-ply along the upper edge. There is dampstaining in the lower portion of the mat. The area of the mat with Adams's inscription is sunned.
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 inscription on the mat reads: 'To my friend W. E. Dassonville - I want you to have this print as an expression of my appreciation - As you see, I have been able to achieve results with a most difficult subject, in a manner that I know could not be gotten with any other photographic paper - Ansel E. Adams.'