[Dodgson, Charles Lutwidge] "Lewis Carroll".

Albumen Print, numbered '354' and '13' (encircled) by the photographer in the negative, mounted on modern board, numbered '473' and inscribed 'Alice as a Beggar Child 1859 [sic]' in pencil in a modern hand on the reverse of mount



This is a previously unrecorded print of this subject. Ten other prints of this image, in varying crops, are recorded. These comprise: two, one hand-coloured, sold in these rooms 6th June 2001 from the Liddell family collection (lots 20 and 37); two in the M.L. Parrish Collection, Princeton University; one, carte-de-visite format, in the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York; one in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection, New York (previously Gilman Paper Company collection); one, hand-coloured, previously in the Liddell family collection, in the Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection, New York Public Library; one, carte-de-visite format, in a private collection; one in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art collection; and one in a private collection (UK). 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The original negative was 'portrait' format and not 'landscape' as suggested by this print.  A similarly cropped print previously in the Liddell collection (see reference above to lot 37) confirmed that at some point a line was scored across the negative just below Alice's left knee. This revised crop serves to detract the eye from the patch of emulsion loss nearby.

A comparison of this print with the one noted above demonstrates that the lot offered here is much less sharp in the details and has less contrast. To explain this unusual effect, the print was analysed by The Centre for Photographic Conservation, South London, and some deterioration in the albumen coating was identified. It is the view of the C.P.C. that this print is a vintage albumen print made from Carroll's original negative and that professional conservation work would significantly enhance its appearance. 

A copy of the conservation report is available on request.