Robert Frank

signed, titled, and dated in the margin, framed, 1950

London/Wales, p. 37; The Lines of My Hand, unpaginated

This photograph, on double-weight paper, is in generally good condition. Along the left edge of the image are 3 sharp handling creases, one of which breaks the emulsion ½-inch. Along the bottom margin edge are 3 medium-sized, sharp handling creases that break the emulsion. Throughout the image, there are various soft handling creases, indentations, and light surface scratches that do not break the emulsion and that do not detract from the overall print quality. The corners and edges of the print are bumped. On the reverse, the following are visible: soiling from handling and graphite; a 1½-inch linear loss along the bottom edge from adhesive; and '15' written in an unidentified hand in pencil. Despite the second date in the photographer's hand in the margin that would normally indicate that this print was made in 1975, it is actually believed to be an early print that was likely signed by the photographer when it left his archive circa 1975. It is printed on the earlier, warm-toned paper that Frank favored in the 1950s and 1960s, and it does not appear to fluoresce when examined under a black light.
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 full catalogue information for this lot is as follows:

signed, titled, and dated by the photographer in ink in the margin, matted, framed, 1950, printed in 1975