Theodore Lux Feininger b. 1910

signed and annotated '[double exposure]' and 'stage improvization' by the photographer in pencil, and with two circular paper labels, each numbered '141' in an unidentified hand in ink, and a Germanic Museum loan label, numbered '79.49' in an unidentified hand in ink, on the reverse, circa 1930

Originally in the collection of the photographer

Christie's New York, 24 April 1990, Sale 7036, Lot 292

Private collection

Christie's New York, 5 October 1999, Sale 9298, Lot 103

Acquired by Nancy Richardson from the above

Another print of this image:

Oskar Schlemmer, László Moholy-Nagy, and Farkas Molnar, The Theater of the Bauhaus (Wesleyan University Press, 1987), p. 94

This photograph is on heavy single-weight paper with a semi-glossy finish. There is a crease in the upper right corner which has broken the emulsion slightly - this has been effectively reinforced with tissue on the reverse, and retouched in the front. The corners of this small image are all slightly worn. These issues are apparent, but not obtrusively so.
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.

The handwritten numerical code on the Germanic Museum label affixed to the reverse of the photograph offered here indicates that it was one of a group of 48 photographs loaned by Feininger in January 1949 to that museum for its Graphic Art by Bauhaus Masters exhibition (March - April 1949).  The Museum, now called the Busch-Reisinger Museum and attached to Harvard University, does not have a checklist for the exhibition in its archives, so it is not known if this photograph was ultimately included.   

This image was reproduced in the original 1924 edition of Die Bühne im Bauhaus in the chapter entitled Bühne (Theater), written by Oskar Schlemmer, under whom Feininger had studied in the Bauhaus theater workshop.