Aaron Siskind

annotated by the photographer and with his 'Photograph by Aaron Siskind' credit stamp on the reverse, 1952

Acquired by the present owner from the photographer, 1969 

Variant croppings:

Aaron Siskind: Toward a Personal Vision 1935-1955, p. 70; Aaron Siskind 100, unpaginated

This early print is on double-weight paper with a slightly glossy surface. The paper's white tones are very slightly warm, as is typical of papers made in the 1950s. The print offered here demonstrates a very different tonality from that seen in Siskind's prints made later in 1970s and 1980s which exhibit starker whites and a cooler tonality. When this print is examined under ultra-violet light, it does not appear to fluoresce. All of these factors indicate that this is almost certainly a print made in the 1950s. This beautiful, detail-filled print is essentially in excellent condition. When examined in raking light, a 1 ¾-inch crease can be seen below the left portion of the top edge – this breaks the emulsion only slightly. There are several smaller creases, not breaking the emulsion, on the right side of the image. There is very slight horizontal rippling visible in the print. In raking light, the photographer's original retouching can be seen. There is faint wear on the print's edges. There is minor scattered soiling and tape remains on the reverse of the print. These problems are not immediately apparent and do not spoil the overwhelmingly fine appearance of this print.
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:

annotated 'Ch 59,' '5/52,' and '8' (circled) by the photographer in black crayon, his 'Photograph by Aaron Siskind' credit stamp and reduction notations in unidentified hands in pencil on the reverse, matted, 1952

A related photograph by Siskind, showing a different portion of the same heavily-lettered storefront, is reproduced in Carl Chiarenza's book Aaron Siskind; Pleasures and Terrors as plate 156, and titled Lithuanian Shoemaker 3. 

Variant croppings:

Deborah Martin Kao and Charles A. Meter, eds., Aaron Siskind: Toward a Personal Vision 1935-1955 (Boston College Museum of Art, 1994, in conjunction with the exhibition), p. 70 

Aaron Siskind 100 (New York: Blind Spot and Power House Books, 2003, in conjunction with the exhibition), unpaginated