Ansel Adams 1902-1984

mounted, signed by the photographer in pencil on the mount, his Carmel studio stamp (BMFA 11), titled and dated in an unidentified hand in ink, on the reverse, matted, 1932, printed in 1978 (Autobiography, p. 33; Classic Images, pl. 7; Examples, p. 32; Lane Collection, pl. 19)

Private Collection, California

Sotheby's New York, 2 November 1987, Sale 5627, Lot 31

Acquired by the present owner from the above

This print is in generally excellent condition. The emulsion is slightly lifting at the upper and lower left corners. There are tiny nicks underneath the lower edge that are visible only when viewing the print from an angle. There is random, scattered foxing on the mount that does not affect the image. There is light soiling on the reverse of the mount.
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.

'Rose and Driftwood' is among the earliest Adams images to be reproduced in book form: in Adams's own Making a Photograph: An Introduction to Photography (London and New York, 1935), where it is used to exemplify the quality of detail in photography; and in Bryan Holmes's Poet's Camera (New York and London, 1946), an anthology of lyrical images by 20th-century photographers.

Prints of this image, both early and late, are scarce.   The present photograph is one of only six examples, in various states, that have been offered at auction in the past two decades.