Paul Strand 1890-1976

the photographer's numerical notations in pencil or ink on the reverse, flush-mounted to paper, numbered '9' in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse, accompanied by a secondary card mount, signed, titled, dated, and annotated by the photographer in ink on the reverse, 1930, probably printed in the 1950s or early 1960s (The Making of a Collection, p. 43)

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

Acquired by the present owners from the above, 2006

The annotation in blue ballpoint pen, on the secondary pink card mount reads, 'When reproducing, do not include the black safe edge around this print; but reproduce the full photo image, not cropping anywhere. Please handle print with care and return it to Paul Strand, Orgeval s/o France.' This contact print, on DuPont B7 grade 3 paper, is in generally very good 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--including the paper used by Strand and his writing--are typical of prints made in the 1950s and early 1960s. Upon close examination, two deposits of black ink by photographer are visible at the upper right and lower right edges. He typically did this in order to extend the appearance of the black border on contact prints. There is slight edge wear, and the corners are somewhat bumped. In raking light, the following are visible: several small, sharp creases at the lower edge of the print (only one of those, which is 3/8-inch, appears to break the emulsion); many tiny deposits of original retouching; and two 1/8-inch indentations, not breaking the emulsion, in the upper left quadrant.
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.