Berenice Abbott

3 photographs, Willow Street, Cedar Street, and Ferry - West Street, each mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, the photographer's 'Federal Art Project' stamp and exhibition label on the reverse, 1936 (Yochelson, Wall Street, pl. 20; Lower West Side, pl. 19; Outer Boroughs, Brooklyn, pl. 40) (3)

These photographs, each made in the 1930s and on exhibition mounts, are in generally very good condition. -'Ferry - West Street - Foot of Liberty Street, Manhattan': In the lower left quadrant under the bridge there is a minor indentation that appears to slightly break the emulsion. In the upper left quadrant in the sky, tiny vertical surface scratches are just barely visible upon close examination. There is minor edge wear and chipping. There are abrasions and adhesions from previous overmatting around the periphery of the mount, including the remains of masking tape adhesive along the top, left, and right edges. Tiny tack holes are visible in the 4 corners and along the top and bottom edges of the mount. On the reverse are various graphite smudges, light stray marks, and fingerprints. -'Cedar Street from William Street, Manhattan': Along the lower left edge of the print are 3 tiny losses of emulsion that have been filled in and light graphite-colored soiling that is smudged. Three eraser-sized mounting bubbles are along the left edge of the print. A 2-inch diagonal surface scuff in the lower left quadrant does not break the emulsion. There are large abrasions to the top layer of the mount around the periphery and corners, most noticeably along the right side, and paper adhesions around the image, likely from a previous over-mat. Tack holes are visible in the corners and bottom edge of the mount, which is discolored along the lower left edge. On the reverse of the mount are various long pieces of masking tape. -'Willow St. #104, Bkly'n, N.Y.': The top edge of the print is lightly bumped and there is a 3¾-inch stray graphite-colored mark in the sky. The light olive-colored mount is abraded and lightly soiled on the front and reverse. There is a 1½-inch tear along the left edge of the mount. The corners are significantly chipped and there are 8 pinpoint-sized holes, perhaps from tacks or staples.
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.