Berenice Abbott

gelatin silver print, the photographer’s Federal Art Project Changing New York, 50 Commerce St. studio, and Duplicate stamps, and with title, date, and annotations in ink, on the reverse, 1936

This early contact print is on lightly-textured, double-weight paper with a surface sheen. It is in generally very good condition. In raking light, uneven silvering and scattered faint fingerprints are visible in the dark areas of the image. Upon close examination, a tiny rust-colored deposit and a few small linear impressions that do not break the emulsion are barely visible in the upper left quadrant. The black margin edges are rubbed and the corners creased. The reverse of the print is appropriately age-darkened. The following information is annotated in ink: 'Madison Avenue: Looking North from 38th Street, Manhattan / Neg # 139 / Code I. A. 3. / July 2, 1936.'
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.