Robert Frank

initialed and titled and with the Robert Frank Archive and copyright stamps, and a typed 'People You Don't See' label on the reverse, 1948-51, printed no later than 1951

This warm-toned photograph, on double-weight paper with a semi-glossy surface, is in generally very good condition. There is soiling along the right edge. The corners are bumped, and the paper is rippled at the edges. Visible in raking light are a 3/8-inch indentation in the center of the image, a very minor 1/4-inch indentation over the subject's right shoulder, and a soft handling crease at the center of the right edge. None of these breaks the emulsion. On the reverse, there is soiling along the edges. The photograph is annotated '6' (circled and erased) and '87.204' in an unidentified hand in pencil. Our assessment of the print date is based on the information given in the catalogue note.
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:

initialed and titled by the photographer in ink, the Robert Frank Archive stamp, annotated 'vintage' in an unidentified hand in pencil, the photographer's copyright stamp, credited and dated in an unidentified hand in ink, and with a typed 'People You Don't See' label, on the reverse, matted, 1948-51, printed no later than 1951

In 1951, Robert Frank entered LIFE magazine's Young Photographer's contest, submitting photographs in two categories—picture story and individual pictures. 'People You Don't See' was the title he gave to his sixteen-photograph essay portraying six of his 11th Street neighbors. This is likely a print that was submitted as a part of the essay.