Carleton E. Watkins

mammoth-plate albumen print with arched top, mounted, signed, titled, and numbered '34' by the photographer in ink and pencil on the mount, matted, 1861

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.42 (this print)

Grading this albumen print with an arched top on a scale of 1 to 10 - a 10 being an albumen print with deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain their original detail - this print rates a 10. The dark areas throughout the print are a deep, rich brown/black; the highlights are cream colored. The print is in generally excellent condition. When examined closely, three dark, thin linear marks, each about ½-inch, are visible at the right side of the print. This is either in the negative or occurred during printing, as paper fibers are visible on top of the markings. Several faint scuffs and scratches can be seen at the lower portion of the print when it is examined in high raking light. These issues are inconsequential and do not impede one's enjoyment of the print. The mount has a very slight wave and is lightly age-darkened. There is extremely light foxing at the edges, and the lower edge of the mount has a small tear at the right side.
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.