Eadweard Muybridge

mammoth-plate albumen print, on the Bradley & Rulofson mount with printed title and photographer's and publisher's credit, circa 1872

Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10—a 10 being an albumen print that has rich dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail—this print rates a 10. The dark tones are a satisfying reddish-brown. The print is in very good condition. The print is slightly lifting from the mount along the lower edge. There are some light deposits of indeterminate nature near the corners or close to the edges of the print, including a small circular deposit, possibly graphite, in the upper right corner (visible in the catalogue illustration). There is faint silvering in the dark areas. There are four tiny, barely noticeable nicks, two of which result in minimal emulsion loss, visible to the right of the center of the print. Visible in raking light are a few tiny pinpoint indentations and faint linear scuffs, none of which breaks the emulsion. These condition issues do not undermine the fine appearance of this print. The print is mounted to smooth, stiff, dark buff-colored board that shows minor edge wear, very slight rippling, and bumped corners. There is a 3/4-inch band of age-darkening on the mount at the periphery of the image, as well as minor soiling, rubbing, and foxing. None of this encroaches upon the image. The dimensions of the mount are approximately 24 3/8 by 29 3/8 inches.
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.