Berenice Abbott

gelatin silver print, numbered 130 in the negative, the photographer’s Federal Art Project Changing New York and 50 Commerce St. studio stamps, and with title, date, and annotations in ink, on the reverse, 1936

This faintly warm-toned contact print is on lightly-textured, double-weight paper with a faint surface sheen. It is in generally very good condition. The right edge of the image appears to have yellowed slightly. Upon close examination in raking light, a thin, diagonal deposit of indeterminate nature is visible to the right of the building. As is characteristically seen in Abbott's 'Changing New York' prints from the period, there are small clamp impressions in the black margins from processing. There is minor wear at the corners and edges. The reverse of the print is appropriately age-darkened and lightly soiled. It is annotated in ink: 'McGraw and Hill Building: from 42nd Street and 9th Avenue, Looking East, Manhattan / Neg. 130 / 5/25/36 / Code I. A. 3.'
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.