Peter Beard

a unique object, oversized, inscribed in the negative by Karen Blixen, mounted, signed, titled, dated, annotated 'Hog Ranch, Box 47616 Nairobi,' and inscribed with quotations from Karen Blixen's Out of Africa by the photographer in red ink on the image, and with collage elements: blood and 4 photographs, including portraits of Karen Blixen, Brör Blixen and Karen Blixen's grave being visited by Kamante Gatura, captioned by the photographer in ink, framed, The Time Is Always Now, New York, gallery labels on the reverse, 1960, printed later (The End of the Game, pp. 50-51)

Acquired by the present owner from The Time Is Always Now, New York

Sotheby's has not examined this very large photograph out of the frame, but it appears to be in generally very good condition. There are several mounting 'bubbles' in the upper left and right areas of the print near the corners.
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.

The quotations inscribed from Karen Blixen's book, Out of Africa, are as follows,

'I have time after time watched the progression across the plain of the giraffe in their queer, inimitable, vegetative gracefulness as if it were not a herd of animals but a family of rare, long-stemmed speckled gigantic flowers slowly advancing.

'It was in giant size the border of a very old, infinitely precious Persian carpet, in the dyes of green, yellow and black-brown.' [written in ink]

'A giraffe is so much a lady that one refrains from thinking of her legs but remembers her as floating over the plains in long garb, draperies of morning mist as a mirage.'

The Peter Beard Studio has confirmed the authenticity of this lot.