Ansel Adams

flush-mounted, 'Property of Polaroid' and 'Photographic Service Group' stamps, with number and annotation in ink, on the reverse, 1942, printed later (400 Photographs, cover and p. 205; Our National Parks, cover and p. 31; Classic Images, p. 35; Morgan & Morgan, pl. 56; Autobiography, p. 192; The Mural Project, p. 73)

This print, on paper with a somewhat matte surface and with a wide range of gray tones, has been flush-mounted to extremely thick (1/4-inch) board. It was conserved in 2008 and is in generally good to very good condition. The edges are rubbed and show small losses of emulsion. Where some of the more significant losses have occurred (at the bottom edge and upper right corner), there is retouching. When examined in raking light, the following are visible: tiny deposits of original retouching that have slightly lightened in the central portion of the print; and a faint scratch that does not break the emulsion at the center right. On the reverse of the flush-mount, there are two 22- by-1 1/2-inch horizontal abrasions, presumably a result of a mounting device having been previously affixed. The reverse is also somewhat soiled, and the top paper ply is age-darkened. This mount has been annotated 'Tom Brown' in marker on the reverse. Presumably, this refers to the Tom Brown who served as assistant to the chairman of the board and assistant to the president of the Polaroid Corporation prior to 1981.
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.