Thomas Struth

ferrotyped, mounted, framed, 1978; accompanied by a letter of authenticity signed by the photographer (2)

Acquired from the photographer, circa 1978

Thomas Struth: Photographs (The Renaissance Society at The University of Chicago, 1990), p. 69

Thomas Struth: Photographs 1978-2010 (New York, 2010), p. 22

This photograph, mounted to illustration board, is in generally excellent condition. As is typical of the ferrotyping process, a slight unevenness of the generally glossy surface and minor pitting are visible in raking light. Upon close examination, a few extremely faint linear impressions and handling creases are also visible. There is a very subtle indentation at the perimeter of the image. There is a linear crease to the left of the car that measures approximately 1/2-inch and which does not appear to break the emulsion. There is a faint fox mark in the sky near the upper edge. This print was a personal gift to the current owner, prior the introduction of edition numbers to the artist's oeuvre.
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.

In 1977, Struth moved to New York on a six month scholarship from the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf.  Struth photographed the streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, making over 200 photographs of often deserted streets.  A selection of these photographs was shown at his studio at P. S. 1, in an exhibition called 'New York City: Central Perspectives.' The sale of 3 exhibition prints (similarly mounted and in the same size as the present print) enabled Struth to stay in New York for a few more months.

Only a few prints of this image are known, and only one other has appeared at auction in recent memory.