Lot 39
  • 39

Robert Frank

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Robert Frank
  • 'Gallup – New Mexico' (Bar)
  • signed, titled, dated in ink on recto
  • Gelatin silver print
signed, titled, and dated '1955' in ink in the margin, numerical notations in pencil on the reverse, framed, Bloom Collection and Pace Wildenstein MacGill labels on the reverse, 1955, printed later

Provenance

Pace/MacGill Gallery, New York, 1997

Literature

The Americans, no. 29

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans, pp. iv, 244, and 469, and Contact no. 29

LIFE Library of Photography: The Art of Photography, p. 135

Robert Frank (Aperture), p. 57

Janet Malcolm, Diana & Nikon: Essays on the Aesthetic of Photography, pl. 61

Robert Frank, Robert Frank, pl. 43

Robert Frank, Lines of My Hand (Parkett/Der Alltag), unpaginated

Peter Galassi, Robert Frank: In America, p. 59

Condition

This large print, on double-weight paper with a semi-glossy surface, is in generally very good to excellent condition. Frank signed, titled, and dated this photograph in blue ink, which remains bold. In raking light, a few soft handling creases, faint superficial surface scratches, and expertly-applied deposits of original retouching are visible throughout the image. The lower right margin corner is creased, with the top paper-ply is folded back at the tip; this does not affect the image in any way. There are a few stray ink deposits on the reverse. The following are written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse: '44' (circled); 'B8'; 'B35'; 'RF.A.029.4'; and '2902-I' (in duplicate). It is believed that only 3 other prints of this image have previously been offered at auction.
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.