ROBERT FRANK | Peru

a unique book, comprising 39 photographs, each mounted back to back, 1948. Folio, spiral-bound, signed and inscribed 'To Mr. Brodovitch, / Before leaving New York / I want to thank you / and wish you / good luck / bonne chance' in ink on the first page, a typed The Museum of Modern Art label, signed by Joel Meyerowitz in pencil, on the inside front cover. The whole in a modern black cloth clamshell box, gilt-stamped leather label on the spine

Gift of the photographer to Alexey Brodovitch, 1949 Alexey Brodovitch to Joel Meyerowitz, 1960s

Christie's New York, 8 April 2011, Sale 2431, Lot 452

The 39 photographs that comprise this important and unique book range from in generally good to excellent condition. As expected with an often-handled book intended as a gift, there are occasional soft linear impressions and creases, age-appropriate wear, chipping, and yellowing to the edges of each page. This does not detract from the overall fine appearance and significance of this rare object. Upon close inspection there are occasional deposits of original retouching. The photograph on the back cover is very faintly silvered in the darkest areas of the image. The first and second pages are detached at the lower edges. The leather label on the spine is stamped with credit, title, and number 'EL 1965.666.' When examined under ultraviolet light, these photographs do 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.

Robert Frank’s departure from New York for South America in 1948 was precipitated not only by the closing of the Harper’s Bazaar photography studio, where he had worked under art director Alexey Brodovitch, but also out of a dissatisfaction with working in fashion photography and an urge to photograph unencumbered by assignments. Frank’s early photographs from Peru herald the themes and devices that would be fully developed in his influential photobook, The Americans (1958).  As a Swiss-born photographer, Frank observed the people of Peru with no judgement; rather, the images taken on his journey reveal a documentarian’s expert timing, sensitivity, and an genuine fascination with the people encountered.

Although Peru was not his first attempt at book construction, it continued the experimentation and unconventional design of his earlier effort, 40 Fotos (1946), by way of a non-linear layout and playful comparisons.  Brodovitch’s influence is evident in the innovative book design, and Frank showed his appreciation by gifting his mentor and friend the present copy, one of only two he produced. A second, slightly different maquette was given to his mother on her birthday in 1949; it is now in the Robert Frank Archive at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C.