Carleton E. Watkins

mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, with title in an old hand in pencil on the mount, framed, 1861 (Naef 155; Fraenkel, pl. 8)

Grading this albumen print on a scale of one to 10 - a 10 being an albumen print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail – this print rates a 7. This is a light rendering of the image, which appears to be a deliberate aesthetic choice rather than the result of fading. Extraordinary detail is visible in the rock face in the central portion of the image. The left edge of the image exhibits slight fading. A small circular accretion of indeterminate nature is visible in the lower left corner. This photograph has recently undergone conservation, primarily surface cleaning and inpainting small areas along the right edge. A full treatment report is available upon request from the department. This photograph is mounted to thick, flexible board, which has a slight wave. The mount is darkened near the edges. The mount is edged with brown cloth tape, which has small losses but is largely intact along the upper and left edges.
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.