Ansel Adams

from a Polaroid Type 55 negative, mounted on Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5 and 6), titled and annotated in ink, and 'Polaroid Land Photograph by Ansel Adams,'  Polaroid Collection, and printing information stamps, annotated in ink, on the reverse, framed, 1962 (Polaroid Land Photography, p. 20; Lane Collection, pl. 77)

This early print, on paper with a surface sheen and mounted on Crescent board, is in generally excellent condition. There is minute emulsion loss from the tips of the lower corners, which is visible only under the closest examination. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. The authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse of the print's mount is 1962 to 1963.
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 subject matter of this photograph, crystalline sodium sulfite, has a direct relationship to the Polaroid Type 55 positive/negative film used to make this image.  After exposure and development, a solution of sodium sulfite was required to 'clear' the negative, i. e., wash away the opaque backing on the reverse of the acetate film.  Of this photograph, Adams wrote, 'The crystals were photographed at 1:1; the lens was thus extended to twice its focal length and the extension factor was 4' (Polaroid Land Photography, p. 20).  For the original Polaroid print of this image, see Lot 69.