Tina Modotti

platinum print, inscribed 'darkest' by the photographer on the reverse, tipped to thin board, signed and dated on the mount, inscribed 'Para Felipe' by her and signed by Felipe Teixidor on the reverse, 1925

The photographer to Felipe Teixidor

Acquired from Felipe Teixidor, 1966

New York, The Museum of Modern Art, Tina Modotti, January - April 1977

Lowe, pl. 59; A Fragile Life, p. 103

This platinum print is in very good to excellent condition. There is very minor wear at the edges and two areas of original retouching are visible at the figure's brow and above the shoulders. These are visible only under close examination. The mount is age-darkened at the edges, and there is mounting tape affixed to the periphery on the reverse.
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:

platinum print, inscribed 'darkest' by the photographer in pencil on the reverse, tipped to thin board, signed and dated by the photographer in pencil on the mount, inscribed 'Para Felipe' by her in pencil and signed by Felipe Teixidor in ink on the reverse, matted, 1925

Through the 1920s, Modotti produced many photographs for Mexican Folkways, the quarterly review devoted to the 'art, archaeology, legends, festivals, song' of the Mexican people (cf. Lowe, pls. 54 - 61).

This photograph was originally in the collection of historian and bibliophile Felipe Teixidor (circa 1895 - 1980), who immigrated from his native Spain to Mexico City and was part of the Weston-Modotti circle of artists and writers in the 1920s.  This group also included Teixidor's friend from Spain, painter Rafael Sala (see Lot 38).