Ansel Adams

mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, a Carmel studio stamp, with title and date in pencil, on the reverse, framed, 1927, printed in 1980 (400 Photographs, cover and p. 35)

This print is generally in excellent condition. In raking light, a very faint, 3/4-inch linear scratch, which does not appear to break the emulsion, is visible in the middle-left portion of the image. The tip of the lower left corner is very lightly bumped. On the reverse of the mount, there are some soft abrasions along the left, lower, and right edges where the mount was previously affixed to another board. Although 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 Carmel studio stamp on the reverse of the present mount is not included. The stamp, similar to BMFA 11, but with the zip code '93923,' is dated with both the negative and printing dates (in this case, 1927 and 1980, respectively) in an unidentified hand in pencil. While '400 Photographs' titles this image 'Monolith, the Face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California,' this print is titled 'Monolith, Yosemite National Park, California' in pencil on the reverse.
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.