Robert Frank

signed, titled, and dated '1956' in ink in the margin, copyright and credit in ink, numerical notations in pencil, and 2 labels, with annotations in ink, 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. 54

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank’s The Americans, pp. 275 and 475, and Contact no. 54

Tod Papageorge, Walker Evans and Robert Frank: An Essay on Influence, p. 25

Robert Frank: Story Lines, frontispiece 2

Peter Galassi, Robert Frank: In America, p. 83

This print, on double-weight paper with a surface sheen, is in generally very good to excellent condition. There is a tiny deposit of original retouching in the upper left quadrant. In raking light, small, scattered impressions that do not appear to break the emulsion are visible overall. The margin edges are rubbed and faintly age-darkened. There is a sharp, 1/2-inch crescent-shaped crease in the left margin, and a few tiny deposits of indeterminate nature in the right margin. The margin corners are lightly bumped, and the top paper-ply is folded back slightly along the lower left margin edge. There is some scattered soiling on the reverse. There is a circular yellow label, with 'P/K A-122 (III)' in ink, and a rectangular label, with 'NYU LAW #16 P/K A-122 (III)' in ink. The additional notations are as follows: '© Robert Frank' in ink, and 'NYUAC # 1993.6.16,' '6-229,' and '138' in pencil. It is believed that only 4 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.

“This image reached my psyche while I was still in art school. . .  the idea of an art school being depicted in primary shapes, i.e. sphere, triangle, etc., seemed resonant in a formal as well as a social way. Dark, slightly askew as only Robert could do with his floating Leica. . . definitely a bit of camera handling used to animate the otherwise static architecture”  Ralph Gibson