Berenice Abbott

a group of 4 large-format photographs from the 'Retrospective Portfolio' (New York, 1982), comprising "El," 2nd and 3rd Avenue Lines; Newsstand, 32nd Street and Third Avenue; Bread Store, 259 Bleecker Street; and American Shops, New Jersey, each mounted, signed and editioned '40/40' in pencil on the mount, the portfolio stamp on the reverse, framed, 1935-54, printed in 1982 (Yochelson, Lower East Side pl. 6, Greenwich Village pl. 10, and Middle East Side pl. 13; O'Neal, p. 197) (4)

These prints are in generally very good to excellent condition. Excess dry-mounting tissue is slightly visible on the mount around the perimeter of each print. -"El," Second and Third Avenue Line, 23 1/4 by 18 1/2 in. (1936): There are a few faint hairline scratches in the upper right quadrant that do not appear to break the emulsion. The upper right corner is very softly bumped. -Newsstand, 32nd Street and 3rd Avenue, Manhattan, 18 1/4 by 23 in. (1935):There is tape along the upper edge of the reverse of the mount. -Bread Store, 259 Bleecker Street, 23 1/8 by 18 1/4 in. (1937): There is an approximately 13-inch glossy scratch that runs diagonally at the center of the photograph, with attendant intermittent chipping to the emulsion. There is a smaller, 1/2-inch scratch just below. -American Shops, NJ, 18 by 22 7/8 in. (1954)
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.