Robert Frank

signed, titled, and dated '1955' in ink in the margin, credit and copyright in ink and numerical notations in pencil on the reverse, framed, 1955, printed in the 1970s

Jan Kesner Gallery, Los Angeles, 1997

The Americans, no. 5

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank’s The Americans, pp. 215, 461, and 467, and Contact no. 5

Willy Rotzler, ‘Der Photograph Robert Frank,’ Du, January 1962, p. 14

Robert Frank (Aperture), p. 59

Tod Papageorge, Walker Evans and Robert Frank: An Essay on Influence, p. 53

Robert Frank: Story Lines, frontispiece 5 

Charlie LeDuff, 'Robert Frank's Unsentimental Journey,' Vanity Fair, April 2008, p. 177

Philip Gefter, Photography After Frank, p. 75

This print is on double-weight paper with a semi-glossy surface. It is in generally excellent condition. There are a few very subtle indentations visible in the margins when viewed under raking light. There are a few stray pencil marks on the reverse of the print. The following is written in an unidentified hand on the reverse: '239,' '6-202,' and '231' (crossed out) is written in pencil and '© Robert Frank' is written in black ink. When this print is viewed under ultraviolet light, it appears to fluoresce slightly.
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.

A significant feature of The Americans is Frank’s exploration of American icons throughout the book.  One of the most indelible and distinctly American icons is the cowboy, who makes an appearance in two of the book’s photographs, represented in the Bloom Collection by the present lot and Lot 64.  It is a hallmark of Frank’s style that he portrays these classic figures in distinctly urban settings, Detroit and New York City, defying expectations and offering a subtle commentary on the illusory nature of national identity.