Heinrich Kühn (1866-1944)

Brown-toned platinum-gum print. The reverse with annotations in pencil and ink in unknown hands.

From the Kühn family to the family of Albert Speer and thence to the present owner

Kicken, Rudolf (ed.), An Exhibition of One Hundred Photographs by Heinrich Kühn, Cologne, 1981, ill. p. 67 (variant).

In very good condition. The reverse with two remnants of paper tapes from an earlier mounting. Three corners with very slight folds. One accurately retouched line in the upper right corner and some more fine retouching in the upper left area. The corners and edges very slightly bumped.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This portrait of Stieglitz taken by Kühn in Vienna dates from the time when the photographers first met. It is one of a series of at least four images from the same sitting, all slight variants. One variant (a bromoil transfer print) is in the collection of George Eastman House in Rochester; another (a platinum print on tissue) was sold at Sotheby's New York 7th April 1998, lot 7; and a third (a gum print) was offered at Sotheby's London 18th November 2004, lot 67. Another print of the present image is in the collection of L. Fritz Gruber in the Museum Ludwig, Cologne.

A detailed process identification report of the print offered here is available on request.