JOEL-PETER WITKIN | 'Twelve Photographs'

(New York: Joel-Peter Witkin and Kevin Begos Publishing, Inc., 1993, an edition of 175 plus 32 artist's proofs), a book illustrated with 12 photogravures and a poem by Galway Kinnell, text in letterpress, and colophon, signed and editioned '118' in pencil. Elephant folio, gray linen Japanese-bound with leather spine, in a black linen clamshell with title on the spine; accompanied by 'A Nude with a Mask,' toned gelatin silver print, signed, titled, dated, and editioned '1/15' in pencil on the reverse, framed, 1988; accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, signed, titled, dated, and editioned by the photographer (3)

"Twelve Photographs": This book of photogravures is in overall excellent condition. The front pastedown has faint dampstaining. The clamshell linen box is faintly soiled and the pastedown on the inner cover is liquid stained along the lower edge. The plates and condition notes are as follows: 1) Head of a Dead Man (Mexico City, 1990) 2) Satiro ( Mexico City, 1992) 3) Three Kinds of Woman (Mexico City, 1992) 4) Un Santo Oscuro (Mexico City, 1987) 5) Still Life (New Mexico, 1992) 6) Las Meninas (New Mexico, 1987) 7) Studio of the Painter (Paris, 1990): There are 2 foxmarks on the reverse. 8) Feast of Fools (New Mexico, 1992) 9) Laocoön (New Mexico, 1992): There is a faint fingerprint along the left edge. 10) Nègre's Fetishist (Paris, 1990) 11) Vanity (New Mexico, 1990) 12) Man with Dog (Mexico City, 1990) "A Nude with a Mask": This gelatin silver print is in overall good condition. The upper center is gently rippled and large areas of retouching are visible overall, some of which have faded. The darkest areas of the print are very faintly silvered. The following are written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse: 'JW.180.5' and 'F/K: JPW-16' and there is a tiny blue ink deposit at the center right edge. The photograph is adhered to the overmat with three pieces of linen tape on the reverse. The Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies this photograph is erroneously editioned '11/15.'
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.