Carleton E. Watkins 1829-1916

mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, matted, 1868-69

Presumably, the Gardner Collection of Photographs, Harvard University

To the present owner, 1965-66

Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 - a 10 being an albumen print with deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail - this print rates a 10. The few areas of dark tonality in the image, which are primarily confined to the shadows in the rocks in the lower portion of the image, are a deep and intense brown/black. The highlights are a light cream color. The print is in excellent condition. A few very faint scuffs can be seen in the sky area when the print is examined closely in raking light - these are inconsequential. There is a tiny nick in the emulsion in the lower right corner of the image, which is visible only in high raking light. The mount is lightly age-darkened and soiled.
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 view here is likely that of the lighthouse on South Farallon Island, one of the islands in the Farallon group off the coast of San Francisco, approximately 20 miles south of Point Reyes.  The Farallons (literally, 'outcroppings') were given their name by Sebastian Vizcaino, who mapped them in 1603.  In the 1860s, when the present photograph was taken, the islands were an important source of birds' eggs and fur seal skins--the famous 'Seal Rock,' which Watkins also photographed, is a part of this South Farallon group. Extensive 'egging' and seal hunting threatened the islands' resources by the end of the 19^th century.  Protected as a National Wildlife Refuge since 1969, the Farallons is now home to one of the largest seabird colonies in the United States. 

Weston Naef and the Carleton Watkins Mammoth Plate Catalogue Raisonné Project locate only three other prints of this image, all in institutional collections.