David Levinthal

unique large-format Polaroid Polacolor print, signed and dated in ink in the margin, framed, 1996

This Polacolor print is in generally excellent condition. The color is strikingly rich and saturated, with no apparent fading. As is typical of large-format Polaroid prints, the upper and lower margin edges are unevenly trimmed and there are tack holes in the upper margin corners. 'I = 105' is written in ink in the lower margin.
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.

David Levinthal is an artist whose body of work is largely defined by Polaroid technology.  His first experiments with Polaroid SX-70 prints culminated in the 1984-86 series Modern Romance (Lot 29).  Around 1987, Levinthal was invited by the Polaroid Corporation to use the 20-by-24-inch camera housed in its downtown Manhattan studio.  Of his initial experience working with large-format Polacolor film, Levinthal writes, '. . . my original idea was just to translate my SX-70 ideas to 20x24s . . . I realized that I couldn't mimic the SX-70s, that it was a different way of looking at things.  What I discovered over time is that the scenes with fewer figures . . . were much more interesting.  The first really successful piece was the cowboy with a lasso on a white horse.  I shot it and thought: This is exactly what I want to do.  It captures my feelings about it' (The Wild West, p. 9).