Berenice Abbott

mounted to Masonite, signed by the photographer in ink and with her credit stamp (partially outlined in marker) on the reverse, matted, framed, 1930, printing date unknown (Photographs, p. 120; O'Neal, frontispiece; Modern Vision, pl. 9; Commerce Graphics, unpaginated; Masterworks of American Photography, pl. 90; Getty Museum Handbook, pl. 174; Modernist Photographs, fig. 2.2; A Ten Year Salute, p. 115)

Collection of a friend of the photographer

Christie's New York, 5 April 2000, Sale 9330, Lot 48

Galerie Zur Stockeregg, Zurich, acquired from the above

Acquired by the present owner from the above

This luminous print, with a range of tones and on paper with a semi-glossy surface, has been mounted to masonite with gray-painted beveled edge. It is in generally very good condition. There is some wear and small chipping at the edges of the print. In raking light, small mounting creases are visible, as well as small vertical creases at the top and bottom edges. Also visible only in raking light are several minor, faint scratches and indentations that do not break the emulsion. The reverse of the mount has a small oval sticker at the upper right, several darkened areas where adhesive must have been applied in the past, and two remnants of what appears to be heavy black paper.
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 print of Abbott's New York at Night offered here comes originally from a friend and companion of Abbott during the photographer's last years in Maine.  Its Masonite mount, with painted, beveled edges, indicates that it was almost certainly used for exhibition, and there are indications on the mount's reverse that a label or credit may have been present at one time.  The print's luminosity, its extensive range of mid-tones, and its presentation on Masonite set it apart from later prints of the negative.