Lewis W. Hine

oversized, warm-toned, annotated 'Photograph by Lewis W Hine / Hastings-on-Hudson, N. Y.' in ink on the reverse, circa 1924, probably printed in the 1920s (Men at Work, unpaginated; Costruire Una Nazione, pp. 94-5)

This early, large-format print is on double-weight paper. It is pleasingly warm-toned and is in generally very good to excellent condition. The left and central areas of the image are slightly warmer in tonality than the right portion, which is more neutral. The photograph is trimmed to the image, and there is very minor wear to the edges and corners. A few deposits of retouching are visible in raking light, especially along the edges. The reverse of the print has a few stains and scattered soiling. These minor condition issues are consistent with handling and age and they do not detract from its overall fine appearance. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print does 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.

This photograph was originally from the collection of Allen H. Eaton, a trustee of New York's Ethical Culture School, and an employee of the Russell Sage Foundation, where Hine had an important exhibition of his photographs in 1929.