Ansel Adams

from a Polaroid Type 55 negative, mounted on Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 1, 5, and 6), titled and annotated in ink, on the reverse, framed, an Ansel Adams & Edwin Land exhibition label and a Polaroid Collection stamp on the reverse, 1962, probably printed between 1962 and 1963

Quito, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, From the Polaroid Collection: Ansel Adams, sponsored by the Embassy of the United States, October - November 2001, and traveling to 3 other venues through 2003 (see Appendix 1)

Naples, Florida, Museum of Art, Ansel Adams & Edwin Land: Art, Science and Invention, Photographs from the Polaroid Collection, May - July 2004, and traveling to 8 other venues through 2007 (see Appendix 1)

This photograph is in generally excellent condition. Visible upon very close examination in high raking light is a faint 3-inch surface scratch near the bottom of the print that does not break the emulsion. The bottom right corner of the print is slightly chipped. On the mount is a thin layer of adhesive and paper remains, likely from a previous overmat. The mat is affixed to the mount along its top edge with 2 pieces of cloth tape. On the reverse of the mount, 'Polaroid Type 55 P/N' and '#29' are annotated in ink and pencil, respectively. A small sticker with the number '282' is adhered to the revere. Stray dark charcoal marks are also visible on the reverse. 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 stamp 1, 5, and 6 on the reverse of the print's mount is between 1960 and 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.