Ansel Adams

from a Polaroid Type 55 negative, mounted on Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5, 6, and 10), titled and annotated in ink, on the reverse, 1962, probably printed between 1962 and 1963 (California, p. 35; Trees, p. 57; Singular Images, pl. 49)

This photograph is in very good to excellent condition. Upon very close examination are tiny deposits of original retouching, most noticeably in the upper right quadrant of the image, which appear to have yellowed with age. In the lower left quadrant of the image is an inverted V-shaped scratch that does not appear to break the emulsion. In the upper left corner of the image is a faint linear surface scratch that does not appear to break the emulsion. The mount is very yellowed except at its edges. The mount corners are bumped or lightly bent. Soft fingerprint soiling and rust-colored liquid deposits are visible. On the reverse of the mount, 'AA' is annotated in ink. 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. Our dating of this print is based upon the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse of this print: 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.