Willy Ronis (b. 1910)

Vintage silver prints. The first titled in pencil with the photographer's credit, address and limitation stamps all in black ink upon the reverse, and with the negative number 'C8.99' in blue pencil also upon the reverse. The second titled in ink, dated in another hand, with the photographer's credit, address and limitation stamps all in black ink on the reverse, and with the negative number 'P9.103' in pencil.

Two warm-toned prints. Luxembourg 1939 bears long but light surface abrasions visible under magnification. It also shows under very close inspection a number of very small retouches. A stress mark is visible near the left shoulder of the principal subject. The print surface has been indented ('pencil-point dents') in a few places; these not obtrusive. The upper left corner is borken but remains attached. Other corners very lightly chipped. Naples 1938 was made from a negative which was dusty at the time. It, too, bears a certain number of small retouches, many apparently addressing some of the dust marks in question. It shows a pattern of near-circular stressing to the emulsion, more or less radiating from the middle of the print. The probable cause of this will have been shedding through slow evaporation of humidity held in the paper fibres at some time when the central portion was freer than the edges, most likely in a frame. This effect not severe, but visible under normal attentive scrutiny. In addition, a stress mark near the centre-left of the image is discernible. In spite of these remarks, each of these prints remains in good condition, most lively for tone and appealing to the eye.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."