Ansel Adams

mounted to Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, overmatted, the photographer's Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5 and 6), titled and dated in ink, on the reverse, 1942, probably printed between 1962 and 1963 (400 Photographs, p. 227)

Acquired by the present owner, circa 1969

Boston, Institute of Contemporary Art, A Memorial Exhibition: Selections from the Nathaniel Saltonstall Collection, November-December 1969

This early 1960s print is in generally good condition. There are several hairline scratches in the lower portion of the print, near the edge, that appear to break the emulsion, the longest of which measures approximately 2-and-3/4-inches. When examined in raking light, the following are visible: several scratches and scattered pinpoint-sized impressions that do not appear to break the emulsion; and several glossy deposits, mostly along the lower edge. There is some minor edge chipping. The reverse of the mount is soiled and there are fingerprints and surface abrasions overall. There is an approximately one-inch strip of brown tape along the upper edge. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. Our dating of this print is based upon the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse: 1962 to 1963. While '400 Photographs' titles this image 'Noon Clouds, Mount Jackson and Mount Fusilade, Glacier National Park, Montana' this print is titled 'Noon Clouds, Glacier National Park, Montana' in ink 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.