Paul Strand 1890-1976

the photographer's numerical and printing notations on the reverse in pencil or crayon, flush-mounted to paper, numbered '7' (circled) in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse, accompanied by a secondary card mount, numbered '#7' and annotated by the photographer in ink, and signed, titled, dated, and annotated by him in blue ink on a paper label on the reverse, 1936, printed in the late 1950s or early 1960s

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

Acquired by the present owners from the above, 2006

This print, on Kodak Medalist paper, and with a 1/16-inch white margin on three sides (top, left, and right), 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-7-inch negative, the use of Medalist paper, and Strand's writing--is typical of prints made in the 1950s and early 1960s. When examined in raking light, tiny deposits of original retouching and a very faint scratch, not breaking the emulsion, are visible on the surface of the print. The annotation on the back of the accompanying blue card mount, in blue ballpoint pen, is 'Please Handle with Care.' The annotation on the paper label is 'Quebec - 1936, Canada, Photograph by Paul Strand, Return to Paul Strand, Orgeval, 78. Yvelines, France.' The photographer's numerical and printing notations on the back of the print, visible through the paper flush mount with the aid of light, are as follows: '7,' 'Medal,' 'F11-38,' and 'Amidol + wt,' indicates that this was printed on Medalist paper, using an exposure aperture of F11 for 38 seconds, and Amidol developer plus water.
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.