Francesca Woodman

1975-76; accompanied by a manuscript postcard from the photographer, postmarked 25 August 1977, Antella, Italy (2)

Gift of the photographer to the present owner, 1970s, when students together at the Rhode Island School of Design

For variants, see Francesca Woodman (Zurich, 1992), pp. 70-1; Francesca Woodman (Siena, 2009); p. 49, Francesca Woodman (SFMoMA, 2011), pp. 28-9; and Francesca Woodman (Cologne, 2014), pp. 20-1 and 175

This early print, on warm-toned medium-weight paper with a slight surface sheen, is in generally very good condition. As is typical of Woodman's prints, the image has been printed asymmetrically on the paper. The edges are somewhat rubbed, and the right and left margin edges are slightly rippled. The upper left and lower right corners are creased, and there is a small area of stray gray exposure at the right margin edge. When examined in raking light, a number of small handling creases, both linear and crescent-shaped, are visible, primarily in the margins. These do not appear to break the emulsion. The margin corner creases and an indentation at the left edge are visible on the reverse.
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 accompanying postcard from Francesca Woodman to her classmate reads:

'Cindy,

     I really don't want you to get lost but I am such a muddleheaded correspondent.  I'm in Italy for the year (RISD Abroad) for the summer alone w/my parents here it is very beautiful and boring.  I wish you were here so that we could travel around together.  I get very lethargic on my own.

     Did you ever hang all those prisms up in trees?  Are you still painting?  Are you in N. Y.?  Write me

     44 Via de Picille

     Antella Firenze

     Italia

     It's time for me to get up and go downstairs to make breakfast but I do hope I hear from you sooner than you have always had to wait for my reply.

XOX Francesca'