Pierre Dubreuil

oil print, the photographer's monogram and date and numbered '3/5' in an unidentified hand on the image, mounted, titled by the photographer in pencil on the mount, signed, titled, numbered '20.,' and annotated 'M. S. L. P.' by the photographer in ink and pencil and with a red 'DB69' stamp, on the reverse, matted, 1929

Sotheby's New York, 5 October 1994, Sale 6599, Lot 40

Acquired by the present owner from the above

This early oil print, on matte-surface paper and mounted to a heavy, textured, off-white paper mount, is in generally excellent condition. There are very small, faint, random rust-colored deposits of an indeterminate nature at the upper right corner tip of the print, and the upper right corner and right side of the mount. These are not particularly noticeable and do not detract from the print. There is a pinhole at the top center of the mount near the upper edge.
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.

It is believed that this print of Titan du Ciel, also known as The Aviator, is one of only three prints of the image extant.  Another print, originally given by photographer Max Thorek to the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, was sold in these rooms on 11 October 2005 (Sale 8115, Lot 111). 

During Dubreuil's lifetime, Titan du Ciel was exhibited in the retrospective of his work at the Royal Photographic Society, London, in 1935.  It was also included in the two major modern Dubreuil exhibitions: Pierre Dubreuil, Photographs 1896 - 1935 at the Musée d'Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, in 1987; and Pierre Dubreuil Rediscovered, at The Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego, in 1988, and traveling to Alliance Française, New York, and The Detroit Institute of Arts, in 1989-90.