Ansel Adams

2 photographs from Polaroid Type 55 negatives, comprising 'Pine Tree – Rocks, Yosemite' and 'Tree Stump, Yosemite National Park,' each mounted to illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5, 6, and 10), titled in ink, on the reverse, 1965 and 1962 (2)

'Pine Tree – Rocks, Yosemite' – This photograph is in generally excellent condition. Visible upon close examination in high raking light are a few minor surface scratches along the print's periphery, most notably along the top edge, which do not break the emulsion. The mount's corners are bumped and there are a few light graphite-colored fingerprints at the periphery. On the reverse of the mount, the Negative No. and Credit are annotated in ink '4- y - (x)' and 'Pol Corporation,' respectively. 'D.' is also annotated in black ink. 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 June 1965. Stamp 10 indicates that the print is made from a Polaroid Type 55 negative. 'Tree Stump, Yosemite National Park' -- This print, on paper with a surface sheen and mounted on Crescent illustration board, is in generally fair condition. The edges are rubbed, with some emulsion losses along the lower edge. When examined in raking light, craquelure is evident throughout the surface of the print, as well as three linear creases which appear to break the emulsion. These issues are not evident when viewing the image at a normal distance. The mount is heavily sunned, and there is soiling, as well as droplet stains, on the front. The edges are rubbed. A 1/4-inch extension of Crescent board has been taped to the lower edge with white tape on the reverse of the mount. 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 stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse of the print's mount is 1962 to 1963. Stamp 10 indicates that this 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.