Ansel Adams

(San Francisco: self published, 1950, an edition of 100 and 5 presentation copies), a portfolio of 15 photographs, each mounted, signed and numbered sequentially in pencil on the mount, the portfolio stamp, sequential numbers and '84' in red pencil, and a 'Photography Collection of the Polaroid Corporation' label, with typed credit, title, and process and accession information in ink, on the reverse, 1942-49, printed in 1950; together with the letterpress title/colophon/plate list, and introductory text from Walt Whitman, in duplicate.  Folio, silver-stamped black and white cloth portfolio with flaps and ties, no. 84 in a total edition of 105 (15)

Acquired from the photographer in May 1957 for the Library Collection

These prints are in generally excellent condition except as noted. The mounts are somewhat darkened. The plates are as follows: 1. Noon clouds, Glacier National Park, Montana, 1942 - Upon very close examination, primarily in the left portion of the image, there are pin-point-sized impressions and small linear creases, which do not appear to break the emulsion. These disturbances are not noticeable when viewing the print at a normal distance. There is minor edge chipping along the upper left edge of the print, and the corners are bumped. The upper and lower left corners of the mount are lightly creased. On the reverse of the mount, there are remains and abrasions from previous adhesives. 2. Forest, early morning, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, 1949 - In high raking light, 3 tiny surface scuffs are visible in the upper central portion of the image. The lower left and right corners of the mount are lightly creased, and there is a small abrasion to the top paper ply. On the reverse of the mount, there are a few small deposits of graphite and green-colored soiling. 3. Dunes, hazy sun, White Sands National Monument, Mexico, 1941 4. White House Ruin, morning, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, 1949 - In high raking light, a few tiny deposits of retouching are visible. There are 2 small chips to the emulsion along the upper edge of the print. On the reverse of the mount, there are 2 minor abrasions to the top paper ply. 5. From Hurricane Hill, Olympic National Park, Washington, 1948 - In high raking light, a few tiny deposits of retouching are visible. The lower print edge is bumped. There are 2 tack holes in the upper left and right mount corners. 6. Moth and stump, Interglacial Forest, Glacier Bay National Monument, Alaska, 1949 - Upon close examination, there are 2 tiny accretions, possibly retouching, in the upper left quadrant of the image. In the lower portion of the mount, there is a stray line of graphite. 7. Sentinel Rock, winter dusk, Yosemite National Park California, 1944 8. Afternoon sun, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, 1943 - On the reverse of the mount, in the upper left and lower left and right corners, there are 3 minor abrasions to the top paper ply. 9. In Joshua Tree National Monument, California, 1942 - Along the upper print edge there is a small loss of emulsion and minor chipping. 10. Rain, Beartrack Cove, Glacier Bay National Monument, Alaska, 1949 - In high raking light, a small deposit of retouching is visible in the sky area in the upper right corner of the image. There are a few fingerprints on the mount. 11. Dead tree, Sunset Crater National Monument, Arizona, 1947 - The mount appears slightly bowed. There is a stray line of graphite in the lower portion of the mount near the signature. On the reverse of the mount, there are 3 minor abrasions to the top paper ply in the upper left and lower left and right corners; in the upper left corner, this affects the Polaroid Collection label. 12. Zabriskie Point, late evening, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 1942 - The upper and lower left corners of the mount are lightly bumped or creased 13. Old Faithful Geyser, late evening, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 1942 - Upon close examination in raking light, tiny deposits of retouching are visible in the sky area. The upper edge of the mount is bumped, and there is a small rust-colored deposit along the lower right mount edge. 14. The Atlantic, Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park, Maine, 1949 - In high raking light, 2 small creases, not breaking the emulsion, are visible in the lower left quadrant of the image. 15. Dawn, Autumn forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, 1948 - Upon very close examination, the following are visible in the lower left quadrant: 2 tiny scratches that break the emulsion, and a small accretion. On the reverse of the mount, there are abrasions to the top paper ply along the upper edge and the remnants of prior cloth tape adhesive and tape along the lower edge. The portfolio is in generally fair condition. There is graphite colored-soiling and rubbing on the front and back flaps. The spine and folds appear somewhat fragile and are cracked in parts; the corners are bumped. On the spine, the following is written in an unidentified hand in black and red ink and pencil, respectively: 'Ansel Adams Portfolio #2;' 'C.K. 11/16/69;' and 'Complete 2-3-72.' The title/plate list/colophon are somewhat age-darkened.
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.