Robert Capa

2 photographs, comprising Yank Wades Ashore and France Invasion, each ferrotyped and with title, date, and number in ink, typed captions, number stamp, and press agency labels on the reverse, 1944, probably printed no later than the 1950s (LIFE, 19 June 1944, p. 27; LIFE: World War II, pp. 276-77 and 291) (2)

These ferrotyped press prints, on single-weight paper, are in generally good condition. The edges are rubbed, and the margin corners are bumped, with small creases. There is some faint discoloration in the lower central portion of each print, which may be a result of transfer of the small white deposits of indeterminate nature on the reverse of each print. The edges of 'France Invasion' are age-darkened. The reverse of this print is also somewhat darker at the edges than the remainder. The reverse of each print is also lightly soiled. When examined in raking light, minor creasing and small indentations are visible. These issues are not discernible under normal viewing conditions. The additional title in ink on the reverse of 'Yank Wades Ashore' is 'D-Day Assault, June 6, 1944.' It is numbered '#7766' in ink and has two small Photri, Alexandria, Virginia, labels on the reverse. 'France Invasion' is also titled in ink, 'Normandy, 8 [sic] June 1944, stamped '03274' on a small white label, and has a Top Stock, Arlington, Virginia, label on the reverse. When examined with ultraviolet light, these prints do not appear to fluoresce.
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 early news agency prints of Capa’s iconic D-Day offered here show a fuller expanse of the original negatives than is usually seen.  The wider cropping in both images differs from that of many of the extant wire-service transmissions and other prints of the day, and shows a greater degree of contextual information in these gripping images.