Robert Frank

signed, titled, and dated '1956' in ink in the margin, numerical notations in pencil on the reverse, framed, a Bloom Collection label on the reverse, 1956, printed in the 1970s

Jan Kesner Gallery, Los Angeles, 1997

The Americans, no. 41

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans, pp. 260 and 472, and Contact no. 41

Tod Papageorge, Walker Evans and Robert Frank: An Essay on Influence, p. 27

Robert Frank and American Politics (Akron Art Museum), p. 12

Peter Galassi, Walker Evans & Company, pl. 220

Robert Frank: Story Lines, frontispiece 6 

This photograph, on double-weight semi-glossy paper, is in generally very good to excellent condition. Upon very close examination in high raking light, very faint, superficial scratches are barely discernible near the lower edge of the image. The following are also visible in raking light: a long, sharp crease in the upper margin, which extends slightly into the upper left corner of the image, and 2 smaller linear creases near the upper-left edge of the image. While these may break the emulsion, they are faint, not readily apparent, and do not detract in any way from the overall fine quality of this print. The margin corners are bumped, with the top paper-ply folded back at the tips. The upper left margin corner is sharply creased. On the reverse of the print, the following is written in an unidentified hand in pencil: '173,' '215 / 8-206 [partially crossed out],' and 'EHG 998.' The reverse is lightly soiled from handling. It is believed that only one other print of this image has 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.

Frank repeatedly altered the cropping of his images throughout the long publication history of The Americans.  The cropping of this print of Butte, Montana (Luncheonette) is consistent with the illustration in the first edition of the book.  Only the faces but not the names of the politicians running for office are visible in the campaign posters in the background.  In some of the later editions the names are visible, tying the photograph more specifically to local politics than to the idea of politics in general, as in the original version seen here.

"Gaming table at Butte Montana with background election posters and little gambling doodads to knock over, editorial page in itself"  Jack Kerouac