Ansel Adams 1902-1984

mounted on Crescent board, signed by the photographer in ink on the mount, his Carmel studio (BMFA 5) and 'Photograph by Ansel Adams, "This is the American Earth" by Ansel Adams and Nancy Newhall, Published by the Sierra Club, San Francisco, Please Credit Book, Publisher and Photographer' stamps, signed by him in ink, on the reverse, matted, 1958, printed no later than 1963 (Portfolios, p. 116; Letters and Images 1916-1984, p. 314; Ansel Adams at 100, pp. 104-05; Autobiography, p. 174; Trees, p. 9; Examples, p. 116; Grand Canyon and the Southwest, p. 85; History of Photography, p. 131)

Acquired by the present owner in 1964

This print is in generally excellent condition. There is tiny chipping at the upper edge and in the lower edge near the right corner. When examined in raking light, tiny deposits of the photographer's original retouching are visible. Also, in high raking light, there is negligible unevenness in the mounting that is visible only under the closest scrutiny. The mount is slightly age-darkened on the front. On the reverse, there are white cloth tape remains along the edges on the reverse. There are a number of minor abrasions on the reverse at the edges and in the center, likely from a prior matting. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. Our dating of this print is based upon the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamp 5 on the reverse of this print, 1962 to 1963.
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.