Weegee (Arthur Fellig) (1899-1968)

Four vintage silver prints, three of them bearing a variety of the photographer's credit stamps, and one in addtion signed and titled in ink in the lower margin. One print only bears no attributive marks of any description.

Wilma Wilcox.
Side Gallery, Newcastle.

Stettner, Louis (ed.), Weegee, Knopf, New York, 1977, p. 93.

Catalogue illustrations for all four prints have a slightly pink tone not seen in the originals. Originals are more yellowed in highlights. None of the four prints fluoresce under UV light. It has been suggested, however, that the print of the best known image of the Critic is later than the paper would suggest. The white margin at print edges, and the stamp on the reverse being the reasons put forward to explain this later print date. The small square print (illustrated p. 47) is creased at upper and lower left corners. These creases have cracked the emulsion, as visible in the catalogue illustration. Print at centre of p. 46 of the catalogue (showing two principal subjects with their back to viewer) has a glossy surface on which, in raking light, is visible some superficial scratching. This print also lightly creased at upper edge to the left and at lower right corner. Print illustrated at bottom of p. 46 also has a glossy surface with some light scratching. Folds across lower right and left corners. Light wear at upper corners. A fine set of photographs.
"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."

Mrs. George Washington Kavanaugh and Lady Decies starred in Weegee's famous photograph of upstairs-downstairs contrast. The present group includes a close variant, cropped slightly wider than is usual, plus three other rare views of the moments immediately before and after that famous view.