Francesca Woodman

1976-77

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

Chris Townsend, Francesca Woodman (London and New York, 2006), p. 237, reversed

This early print, on single-weight, slightly warm-toned paper with a semi-glossy surface, is in generally very good condition. As is typical of Woodman's lifetime photographs, it has been printed askew on the paper, in this case with no margin at the right edge of the image. The margin edges are somewhat rubbed, with slight rippling at the upper and lower margin edges. There is a 3-inch sharp crease at the lower right margin edge that does not affect the image. When examined in raking light, minor, faint handling creases are visible. These are predominately in the margins.
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.

In the 1970s, Francesca Woodman created six unique sequenced narrative books of photographs, among them Portrait of a Reputation.  The image offered here is a reverse-printed version of the fifth and final image in the sequence, which Chris Townsend describes as 'a powerful allegory of the experience of being touched, as if being stained by that act' (Francesca Woodman, p. 236).