Ansel Adams

(San Francisco: Jean Chambers Moore, 1927, an edition of 150), the complete portfolio of 18 photographs, 13 signed in pencil and each with the letterpress title in the margin, each in individual letterpress title wrappers, 1920s, printed in 1927; together with the letterpress title, colophon, dedication to Albert M. Bender, and plate list. Small folio, gilt-lettered black cloth portfolio with gold silk lining, one of a projected edition of 150 of which approximately 75 sets were completed

These luminous photographs exhibit all of the rich tonality and exceptional detail characteristic of well-preserved 'Parmelian' prints. The highlights remain bright and creamy, and the darkest areas are a lush charcoal black. The prints are in generally excellent condition. There is very minor rippling of the margins on a few of the prints. The printed wrappers and front matter are generally clean. The interior of some of the wrappers exhibit offsetting from the prints. The black cloth portfolio is worn at the extremities and cracked at the lower joints. The plates are as follows: Sierra Junipers - There is a pen-point-sized rust-colored deposit of indeterminate nature in the lower-central portion of the image. The Abode of Snow Monolith, The Face of Half Dome - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. On the front of the wrapper, there is a very small black adhesion of indeterminate nature. From Glacier Point - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. There is rust-colored soiling in the lower-left margin, not affecting the image. On the Heights A Grove of Tamarack Pine - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. Mount Galen Clark - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. Mount Clarence King - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. The upper right corner of the image is ever-so-slightly warmer in tonality than the rest of the print. Roaring River Falls - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. Marion Lake - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. El Capitan Banner Peak, Thousand Island Lake - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. Mount Brewer - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. Kearsarge Pinnacles The Sentinel - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. Lower Paradise Valley - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. The lower edge of the image is ever-so-slightly warmer in tonality than the rest of the print. East Vidette - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. Cloud and Mountain - This print is signed 'A. E. Adams' in pencil in the margin. Upon close examination, 2 tiny deposits of original retouching are visible in the upper left quadrant.
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.