Ansel Adams

mounted to Hi-Art illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 7 and 8), titled and dated 'ca 1936' in ink, on the reverse, framed, a Witkin Gallery Inc., New York, label on the reverse, circa 1931, probably printed between 1963 and 1970 (400 Photographs, p. 64) 

This photograph is in generally good condition. There are matte deposits, possibly foxing, overall and silvering along the edges. In raking light, a small raised area that likely occurred during the mounting process is visible along the lower edge. The mount is age-darkened, there are glue remnants at the upper and lower edges, and there are rust-colored deposits, possibly foxing. On the reverse of the mount are some abrasions to the top paperply. There is a label with the annotation 'Ansel Adams $150' in ink in an unidentified hand. While this print is dated 'ca 1936,' the book '400 Photographs' correctly dates this image circa 1931. 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. The authors' assessment of the use dates of stamp 7 on the reverse of the print's mount is 1963 to 1973, and of stamp 8, 1963-1970.
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.