Paul Outerbridge, Jr.

color carbro print, mounted, 1938 (Command Performance, frontispiece and pl. 62; Singular Aesthetic, pl. 147)

This color carbro print has been unevenly trimmed and is mounted to later illustration board. This does not impact the image. There is a 6 1/2-inch sharp crease, with two small segments of emulsion loss along the crease, in the lower right quadrant. When examined closely, there are what appear to be 2 pinholes in the upper left portion of the print in the lithograph area. There are a few small areas of color, mostly green and purple, that are on the print's surface in the upper and lower left corners and in the upper central portion. These stray areas of color, typical of the carbro process, are slightly larger than the color dots that randomly appear on carbro prints.
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.

Beginning in the mid-1930s, Paul Outerbridge became one of the most successful commercial photographers in America, one whose color photographs were in great demand from a variety of magazines and camera annuals.  From 1936 through 1939, one of his most lucrative relationships was with the magazine House Beautiful, for which he provided not only editorial illustrations, but also many covers.

Still Life with Fruit and Lithograph was used as the cover image for House Beautiful in September 1938.  Another color carbro print of the image is in the collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, a gift of the photographer in 1952.