Louis Faurer 1916-2001

signed and inscribed with his '40 Sutton Pl.' studio address and annotated 'PL-8-1674' by the photographer in blue ink on the reverse, matted, 1950

Private Collection, New York

By descent to the present owners

Other prints of this image:

Anne Wilkes Tucker, Louis Faurer (Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 2002, in conjunction with the exhibition), p. 133

Therese Mulligan and David Wooters, eds., Photography from 1839 to Today: George Eastman House (Köln, 2000), p. 654

This early print, on double-weight paper with a slight texture, is in generally excellent condition. This print originates from a fairly dark negative, creating what would have been a printing challenge in the darkroom. With this print, the photographer has succeeded in printing even the most minute detail within the darkest blacks, while still maintaining the clarity of the subtle highlights. There is one small, thumb-sized, crescent-shaped handling crease at the center of the right edge. When examined closely, a slight wave is visible in some areas of the print. The back of the print has faint surface soiling overall, as well as a few chemical soiling marks from processing. The top and bottom left corners each have one, 1-inch strip of adhesive tape remnants on the reverse. This moody print has great image and object quality. When examined with a black light, this print does not appear to fluoresce. We base our dating of this print on the appearance of the photographic paper and the '40 Sutton Place' studio address. Faurer lived at Sutton Place during the 1950s.
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.