Irving Penn

platinum-palladium print, flush-mounted to aluminum, signed, titled, dated, editioned '16/25,' and annotated in pencil and stamped on the reverse, framed, 1950, printed in 1980

Marlborough Gallery, New York

Private Collection

Christie's New York, 12 October 2005, Sale 1560, Lot 104

John Szarkowski, Irving Penn (The Museum of Modern Art, 1984), pl. 58

Irving Penn, Passage: A Work Record (New York, 1991), p. 81

Merry Foresta and Will Stapp, Irving Penn: Master Images (Smithsonian Institution, 1990), pl. 28

Sarah Greenough, Irving Penn: Platinum Prints (Washington, D. C.: National Gallery of Art, 2005), pl. 22

This platinum-palladium print, mounted to aluminum, is in generally excellent condition. At the top margin near the aluminum strip, there is extremely pale discoloration. There are 1 1/4-inch strips of brown paper tape on the reverse at the top, right, and left edges.
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.

'Rochas's Mermaid line . . . Every collection has one: Rochas's is one of the most beautiful.   A mermaid line shaped in black velvet, with a fin-fan of black taffeta pleats.  A sweep of black leaves, glistening with black paillettes.  Attached to one long black glove is a flesh-colored tulle stole' (Vogue, 15 September 1950, p. 134).