Lot 200
  • 200

Paul Strand 1890-1976

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Paul Strand
  • kitchen, loch eynort, south uist, hebrides
flush-mounted, numbered '27' three times, in pencil and in red crayon, and annotated in an unidentified hand in pencil, on the reverse, 1954, printed in the late 1950s or early 1960s (Essays, p. 223)

Provenance

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

Acquired by the present owners from the above, 2006

Condition

The two annotations on the reverse appear to be in German and are difficult to read. This photograph, on Kodak Illustrator's Special 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 the prints made in the 1950s and early 1960s. The edges of the print are somewhat rubbed, and there is tiny emulsion loss. The corners are slightly bumped, and there is a small (approximately 3/8-by-5/8-inch) area in the lower right corner where the print has a warmer tone. When examined in raking light, tiny deposits of original retouching are visible, as well as some very faint, very small indentations and light scratches that do not appear to break the emulsion. Also visible in raking light is a shiny area at the center right, as result of uneven varnishing. The reverse of the print is soiled overall, and there are deposits of indeterminate nature, possibly adhesive remains, on the reverse. There are two small (3/4-by-1/2-inch) paper tape remnants one inch from the top edge on the left and right sides.
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.

Catalogue Note

The interior study offered here was published in Strand's photographic portrait of Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Tir a'Mhurain, with accompanying text by Basil Davidson.  The third of Strand's volumes devoted to foreign lands and peoples, Tir a'Mhurain depicts the proud but dying Gaelic culture of the Hebrides, with its language and traditions under threat from the modern world.  The book was first published in 1962, in Dresden by Verlag der Kunst and in London by MacGibbon and Kee.

As photograph offered here comes originally from the collection of Dr. Erich Frommhold of Verlag der Kunst; it is possible that this is the very print reproduced in the publication.