Irving Penn

mounted to Bainbridge Kromo-Lite illustration board, signed and dated in ink on the mount, the photographer's 'Photograph by Penn' and Condé Nast stamps on the reverse, framed, 1947 (Moments Preserved, pp. 120-1; MoMA, pl. 73)

The photographer to Joseph Whitehead, a fashion designer and friend of Irving Penn

This early print, on semi-glossy paper and mounted to Kromo-Lite board, is in generally very good condition. The edges of the print are faintly yellowed. This discoloration is slightly more pronounced along the lower edge. At the upper left corner there is a very small area that appears lighter in tone. This is presumably a flaw in the negative and not in the printing process. These issues are not apparent when viewing the photograph in its current framed presentation. In the lower center of the image (in the area of the prosciutto), there is an approximately 2-inch very faint crease that possibly occurred during mounting. There is faint silvering at the perimeter of the print, and a tiny fleck of emulsion loss at the center right edge. The mount is brittle and there are a few small tears at the edges. There are yellowed adhesive remains and remnants from a previous overmat. On the reverse of the mount, the Condé Nast and photographer's stamps are circled in red crayon. '14173P-3' is written in ink in an unidentified hand at the upper right corner. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print does not appear to fluoresce.
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.