Désiré Charnay

a group of 4 albumen prints, each on the original oblong folio mount, a label, with plate number, title, and photographer's and publisher's credits in letterpress, on the mount, 1860, printed circa 1862 (Davis, cover, rear cover, pls. 25, 27, and 35, and fig. 26) (4)

Grading these albumen prints on a scale of 1 to 10--a 10 being an albumen print with deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail--these photographs rate from a strong 8 to a 10. These striking prints exhibit exceptional detail and rich, saturated dark tones. While warm-toned, the highlights remain relatively creamy and crisp. As is typical of Charnay's prints, in raking light, small matte deposits of original retouching are visible throughout the images. ‘Palais des Nonnes, a Uxmal’ (Pl. 42): There is minor warm-toned discoloration along the left edge of the print. This photograph is on the original oblong folio mount. The mount has very light foxing overall, and there is occasional dampstaining along the edges. There is a 3-inch tideline, with adjacent smaller tideline, in the lower right corner of the mount. This does not affect the image in any way. An ‘X’ is written in pencil in the lower left mount corner. There is a thin abrasion running the length of the upper edge of the mount, with a thin strip of linen running the same length on the reverse. 'Palais des Nonnes, a Uxmal' (Pl. 41): Upon very close examination in high raking light, a few superficial scratches, scuffs, and glossy deposits of indeterminate nature are visible. This photograph is on the original oblong folio mount. The plate number on the letterpress label is crossed out in ink. The mount has minor foxing and soiling overall, which does not affect the image. The tip of the lower left mount corner is chipped and rounded. The number ‘10’ is written in pencil in the lower right mount corner. On the reverse, there are 2 hinge remnants and a thin abrasion running the length of the upper edge. 'Vue Generale des Ruines, a Uxmal' (Pl. 49): Upon very close examination in high raking light, the following are visible: a tiny nick in the upper left corner; a thin, faint, rust-colored line extending from the upper edge; and superficial scratches and scuffs overall. The tiny black marks visible in the sky area are features of the negative and not flaws in the physical print. This mount appears to have been trimmed to 19.5 by 24.5 inches. There are a few fox marks on the mount, including 2 larger spots along the right mount edge. The mount is worn at the edges and corners. There 3 small losses along the right edge of the mount, as well as several tears along the upper and right edge. These do not affect the print in any way. The reverse of the mount is soiled. 'Maison du Nain, a Uxmal' (Pl. 35): There is some warm-toned discoloration and soiling in the upper sky-area. There is a small rust-colored deposit of indeterminate nature in the right portion of the image. Upon close examination, there is a tiny nick in the left portion of the image. This photograph is on the original oblong folio mount. There is soiling and foxing on the mount and on the reverse, and the right edge of the mount is age-darkened. An ‘X’ is written in pencil in the lower right mount corner. There is a thin abrasion running the length of the left edge of the mount, with a thin strip of linen running the same length on the reverse.
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.