Berenice Abbott

dated '1929' in pencil and with the photographer's '50 commerce st., new york city' studio and reproduction rights stamps on the reverse, framed, 1928 (O'Neal, p. 42, variant cropping)

This luminous early print, on double-weight paper with a slight surface sheen, is in generally excellent condition. There are 2 scratches in the lower right quadrant (one measuring approximately 4 inches and the other 3/4-inch) that may break the emulsion very slightly. A few scattered deposits of retouching are visible upon close examination. There is some minor chipping to the edges and the corners. On the reverse is some light soiling and there are minor abrasions along the upper edge. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print does not appear to fluoresce. This photograph has recently undergone conservation. A treatment report is available upon request from the department.
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.

James Joyce sat twice for Abbott: first in 1926 at his home, and next at her studio in 1928.  The present image was taken during Joyce’s second sitting with the photographer, after which Abbott showed Joyce some of her photographs by Eugène Atget.  Abbott’s intensely expressive photographs of Joyce have become the definitive portraits of the Irish author.