Carleton E. Watkins

mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, annotated 'Eagle Diggins, [_____] Hill,' probably by the photographer, in pencil on the mount, matted, circa 1871

Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Acquired by the present owner from the above

Jeffrey Fraenkel and Peter E. Palmquist, Carleton E. Watkins, Photographs 1861-1874 (San Francisco, 1989), pl. 87 (this print)

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 a 10 being an albumen print with deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain their original detail - this print rates an 8. The print's dark areas are a deep, rich purplish-brown; the highlights are cream colored in the lower portion of the print, and become warmer in the sky area. The print is in generally very good condition. In the sky area at the right, there is a spot of what appears to be old re-touching that has discolored with age. In the left sky area, there is a faint, semi-transparent vertical streak that may also be retouching that is visibly principally in raking light. There are two tiny nicks at the lower left edge. The mount is somewhat wavy and exhibits light soiling. There is age-darkening at the periphery. A 2-inch piece of cellulose tape is centered over a portion of the mount's top center edge, appearing to mend a cut or sharp tear in the mount.
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.