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 with annotations in ink, on the reverse, 1965

This photograph is in generally very good to excellent condition. Visible upon close examination in raking light is a jagged diagonal surface impression extending from the middle left edge of the print, which does not break the emulsion. There is tiny edge chipping at the corners of the print. The mount is lightly darkened at the print's periphery. Two 2¼- by 28-in. pieces of board are adhered with cloth tape along the top and bottom of the reverse of the mount. The tape has been partially removed in a section, resulting in a minor disturbance to the top ply of the mount board on the reverse. BMFA stamp 6 has annotations in ink: negative '4-MPS-514a' and credit 'Polaroid Corporation.' The annotation 'O.' is also in ink 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. Although the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse of the print's mount is 1962 to 1963, Adams has dated this print July 1965. Stamp 10 indicates that the print was made from a Polaroid Type 55 negative.
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.