Edward Steichen 1879-1973

warm-toned, titled 'Iris Aurea' and annotated 'flag' by the photographer and inscribed 'lgt runs up t stems lk lhgtng [light runs up the stems like lightning]' by Carl Sandburg in pencil and with the photographer's '80 West 40th Street, New York' studio stamp on the reverse, matted, framed, 1920s

Sotheby's New York, 12 October 2000, Sale 7518, Lot 159

Acquired by Michael Shapiro Gallery, San Francisco from the above

Acquired by the present owner from the above, 2000

This strikingly detailed early print, on double-weight, slightly matte paper, is in generally excellent condition. In raking light, silvering is evident in the black negative edges. There is one extremely soft handling crease at the center of the print. This is only visible upon the closest scrutiny. There is one small spot of what appears to be original retouching in one of the flower petals. At the upper right corner and along the right edge, there are a few small deposits of what appear to be original retouching, but may be deposits of indeterminate nature, on the surface of the print. These blend into the warm background tones of the print and are only visible upon close examination. The edges of the print are lightly rubbed. The top left corner is lightly crimped. The back of the print is lightly age-darkened with light surface soiling overall. There are two circular soiling marks that appear to be old adhesive stains from a prior mounting, each approximately 2 1/2-inches in diameter.
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.

This picture may have been intended as an illustration for the 1929 Harcourt, Brace volume Steichen the Photographer, written by Steichen's brother-in-law, Carl Sandburg.  In 1908 Sandburg married Steichen's sister Lilian and the two became close friends and collaborators, a relationship that ended only with Sandburg's death in 1967.  In his text for the volume, Sandburg records a conversation in which he questions Steichen about certain flower photographs:

"'What is this?' [Steichen] is asked about a print. 'That is a delphinium and iris aurea contrasting the sneak of light up the iris with the soft woolly delphinium; it is just a pictorial contrast of texture, height and shape.'

"'And this?' 'Foliage of hermerocalis or day lily.'

"And this?' 'Common flag and iris aurea--the light runs up the stems like lightning'" (Steichen the Photographer, pp. 56-59).  This last line, Steichen's own, is quoted by Sandburg on the reverse of the present image. 

Another print of this image is owned by a descendant of Edward Steichen.