Alma Lavenson

mounted, signed, and title and date in pencil and with numerical exhibition and gold star labels on the mount, signed, titled, and annotations in ink and pencil and with an exhibition label and stamp on the reverse, 1939

The photographer to her sons, Albert and Paul Wahrhaftig, 1987

New York, American Museum of Natural History, 6th International Salon of Photography, Centennial Exhibition, in conjunction with The World's Fair, May - October 1939

Riverside, California Museum of Photography, University of California, Alma Lavenson, January - February 1979; and traveling to The Oakland Museum and the University of New Mexico Museum

This early print, on paper with a semi-glossy surface and mounted to a heavy buff-colored board, is in generally very good condition. Visible in raking light are the following: faint scuffing; and minor scratches and an indentation that do not break the emulsion. The mount is age-darkened at the periphery. The edges are rubbed, and the corners are bumped. In addition to the photographer's signature, there are penciled annotations at the lower edge regarding the location, and a gold star and small white label with the letterpress number '360' on the front of the mount. On the reverse of the mount, which is age-darkened, is the following information in the photographer's hand in blue ink: '2 - Weathered Wood Alma R. Lavenson 58 Wildwood Gardens Piedmont, Calif.' In an unidentified hand in pencil is 'Vallejo Home, Detail, Sonoma, 1939.' The exhibition label for the '6th International Salon of Pictorial Photographers of America' exhibition for the New York World's Fair, held at The American Museum of Natural History, is affixed to the reverse. The grid-like stamp indicates the following: Pkge. No.: '221' (in pencil) Print No.: '2' (in pencil) Section: '13' (in pencil) '355' (in pencil)
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.