David Levinthal

2 unique large-format Polaroid Polacolor prints, each signed, dated, and editioned '1/3' in ink in the margin, 1989 (American Beauties, unpaginated, variants) (2)

These prints are in generally excellent condition. The colors are vibrant, with no apparent fading. The upper and lower margins are unevenly trimmed, as is customary with large-format Polaroid prints. Beauty seated, from behind - Upon close examination, a one-inch linear crease that does not break the emulsion is visible in the upper left corner of the image.
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.

Reflecting on his American Beauties series, Levinthal comments, 'I found figures here and there at flea markets. . . one day I brought them into the Polaroid studio just to see how they would look. . . Fortuitously, all I had was sand.  I stuck one of them in the sand, and I was stunned by how elegant it looked against the bare background.  I knew I wanted to isolate them, to photograph them as sculpture.  But they looked so good with the background fading to black, that's how I shot the whole series' (The Wild West, p. 12).