Minor White

(New York: Light Gallery, 1975, an edition of 100), a portfolio of 12 photographs, each mounted, with title and date in pencil on the mount, the estate, copyright/reproduction rights, and date stamps on the reverse, 1947-71, printed in 1975; together with the printed title, introduction, and plate list, editioned ‘86’ in ink. Folio, taupe linen clamshell box with gilt lettering

These photographs are in generally excellent condition. In raking light, tiny glossy deposits of indeterminate nature are visible on many of the prints. For each, the window mat is affixed along the upper edge of the mount. The stamps on the reverse of the mounts are as follows: 'ESTATE OF MINOR WHITE - MICHAEL HOFFMAN, EXECUTOR MOUNTED PRINT SEE EXPLANATORY LETTER DATED 3/7/80;' '© THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED;' and '1980.' There is also a 'P' stamped in the lower right corner of the reverse of each mount. The plates are as follows: 'Sun Over the Pacific - Devil's Slide,' 1947 - 'MWA 48-421-49' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Nude Foot - San Francisco,' 1947 - Upon close examination in raking light, a small translucent deposit is visible in the lower left portion of the image. 'MWA 47-279-44' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Sandblaster - San Francisco,' 1949 - In raking light, scattered tiny impressions, which do not appear to break the emulsion, are visible. 'MWA 49-78.1-57' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Birdlime and Surf - Point Lobos, California,' 1951 - 'MWA 51-64-48' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Two Barns - Dansville, New York.' 1955 - 'MWA 55-50-38' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Windowsill Daydreaming - Rochester, New York,' 1958 - 'MWA 58-171-32' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Peeled Paint - Rochester, New York,' 1959 - In raking light, a slight wave in the center portion of the print is visible. 'MWA 59-51-32' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Beginnings - Rochester, New York,' 1962 - 'MWA 62-10-46' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Ritual Stones - Notom, Utah,' 1963 - In raking light, scattered tiny impressions, which do not appear to break the emulsion, are visible. 'MWA 63-17-52' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Ivy - Portland, Oregon,' 1964 - 'MWA 64-52B-16' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Navigation Markers - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia,' 1970 - In raking light, a few tiny raised areas, likely particles trapped between the print and mount during the mounting process, are visible. 'MWA 70-12-30' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. 'Dock in Snow - Vermont,' 1971 - 'MWA 71-26-26' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. The linen clamshell box is in generally excellent condition. The front matter is clean. At the time of Minor White's death in 1976, 14 numbers of the Jupiter Portfolio, from the total edition of 100, remained unsigned by White. These remaining 14 copies, all printed by White or under his supervision, became the property of either Princeton University of Aperture, Inc. They were subsequently stamped with estate and copyright/reproduction rights stamps. The portfolio offered here comes from Princeton University, to whom White bequeathed a trove of photographs, negatives, and documents. A letter of documentation, signed by White's executor Michael Hoffman, accompanies this portfolio.
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.

Princeton University, which holds the Minor White Archive, will provide a letter of provenance to accompany the present portfolio.

The plates are as follows:

'Sun Over the Pacific - Devil's Slide'

'Nude Foot - San Francisco'

'Sandblaster - San Francisco'

'Birdlime and Surf - Point Lobos, California'

'Two Barns - Dansville, New York'

'Windowsill Daydreaming - Rochester, New York'

'Peeled Paint - Rochester, New York'

'Beginnings - Rochester, New York'

'Ritual Stones - Notom, Utah'

'Ivy - Portland, Oregon'

'Navigation Markers - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia'

'Dock in Snow - Vermont'