Ruth Bernhard

(San Francisco: Joseph G. Folberg and Vision Editions, 1994, a total edition of 49), a portfolio of 10 hand-coated platinum-palladium prints, each signed in pencil in the margin, annotated with title, and date in pencil on the reverse, contained within individual Chinese stitch-bound folders with letterpress title and date, 1930-76, printed in 1993; together with letterpress artist's statement and colophon, with edition 'Ltr E' in pencil.  Folio, black silk-covered slipcase with photographer's initials blindstamped into a silver leaf emblem on the cover

This portfolio is in overall excellent condition. The text pages and folders are generally clean and show no signs of discoloration. There are a few penciled trim lines near the margin edges. The plates are as follows: Creation, 1936 Teapot, 1976 Two Leaves, 1952 Skull and Rosary, 1945 Straws, 1930 Lifesavers, 1930; There is a pinpoint-sized rust-colored deposit, possibly foxing, in the left margin. There is very faint discoloration in the upper right margin. One World, 1946 Angelwing, 1943 Candy, 1942 Door Knob, 1975 The outer black silk-covered slipcase shows a very minute amount of soiling and the fabric is peeling slightly along the spine seam. Within the slipcase, the half-marbleized silk and half-handpainted silk covered box that contains the prints is in excellent condition. There is an eggplant-colored piece of silk covering the bottom of the interior box. The total edition is comprised of 40 prints editioned '1' through '40' and 9 prints editioned 'Ltr A' through 'Ltr I.'
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.