Paul Strand 1890-1976

the photographer's numerical and printing notations on the reverse in pencil or crayon, flush-mounted to paper, signed, titled, and dated by the photographer in ink on the reverse, accompanied by a secondary card mount and a translucent paper overleaf, the first signed, titled, dated, and annotated by the photographer in ink, and the second annotated with care and printing instructions by him in ink, on the reverse, 1931, probably printed in the 1950s or early 1960s (Essays, p. 142; Greenough, pl. 77)

The photographer to Dr. Erhard Frommhold, Verlag der Kunst, Dresden

Acquired by the present owners from the above, 2006

This selenium-toned print, on Kodak Illustrator's Special paper, with a 1/8-inch white margin at the periphery, is in generally excellent condition. As is typical of Strand's work of the period, the print's surface sheen is the result of a coating, possibly wax or varnish, that Strand favored in order to enhance the details of the image. The presentation--the fact that it is an enlargement print from a 5 by 6-inch negative, the paper used, and Strand's writing--is typical of the prints made in the 1950s and early 1960s. When examined in raking light, tiny deposits of original retouching are visible on the surface of the print, particularly in the upper portion, as well as two small (one inch and 1/4-inch) sharp creases that do not appear to break the emulsion. The printing and numerical notations visible through the paper flush mount when the photograph is held up to a strong light are '1 Ill,' 'F11-29,' 'right side +10,' and 'Amidol,' meaning that it has been printed on Illustrator's Special paper, using a camera aperture of F11 with a 29-second exposure, with an additional 10 seconds' exposure on the right side, using Amidol as a developer. On the reverse of the print, there is a 3/16-inch deposit of adhesive and gray paper remains at the periphery of the print. The flush-mounted print is hinged to a beige board with paper tape, and the annotation, facing the reverse of the print is 'Photograph by Paul Strand, please return to Orgeval s/o France.' In addition, there are two numbers on this card--'164' in pencil and '88' (circled) in ink, both in unidentified hands. A translucent paper mount has been hinged to the hinged card mount, and the text, in Strand's hand, reads: 'Please Handle with Care. do not bend or break and in reproducing, please include the whole image up to the white safe edges (but not including them). Do not crop.' Only one vintage print of this image, a 5x6 platinum contact print, is known to exist.
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 photograph offered here and in Lots 196 to 201 come originally from the collection of Dr. Erich Frommhold of the Verlag der Kunst firm of Dresden.  Founded in 1952, Verlag der Kunst made its reputation as a publisher of art books of superb quality.  Two volumes of Strand's cultural studies carried the Verlag der Kunst imprint: the German editions of Tir a'Mhurain (1962) and Living Egypt (1969).  Verlag der Kunst also published books of photographs by Helmar Lerski and John Heartfield.