Paul Strand 1890-1976

flush-mounted, signed, titled, and dated by the photographer in green ink on the reverse, matted, framed, 1920, probably printed in the 1960s

Estate of Paul Strand

Light Gallery, New York

Christie's New York, 9 October 1997, Sale 8748, Lot 108

Acquired by Nancy Richardson from the above

Another print of this image:

Michael E. Hoffman, ed., Paul Strand: Sixty Years of Photographs (Aperture, 1976), p. 134

This toned and varnished print is in generally excellent condition. There is slight rubbing at the edges, with minute emulsion loss. When examined in high raking light, several tiny deposits of original retouching are visible. There is a 3/8-inch strip of adhesive remains on the reverse of the mount at the periphery. We believe that this print was made in the late 1950s or 1960s because of its appearance and presentation; and because the title, date, and signature of the photographer on the reverse, although in green ink, appear to have been written in his later years. The tones of this print are cooler than prints made prior to the 1950s.
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 1945, this image was selected by Nancy Newhall for inclusion in the first exhibition dedicated to an individual photographer at The Museum of Modern Art, 'Photographs, 1915-1945, by Paul Strand.'

Aside from the print offered here, there are only three other known prints of this image, all in institutional collections:  the Philadelphia Museum of Art; the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; and the Bibliothéque Nationale, Paris.  Another photograph by Strand of the same structures, taken at the same time, is reproduced in Sarah Greenough's book, Paul Strand: An American Vision, on p. 59.