Anonymous (20th Century)/ Ansel Adams (1902-1984)

a group of 13 photographs printed by Ansel Adams, comprising X-Ray images of Hand, Lungs, Spine, and Kidneys, each mounted on Crescent illustration board, a Carmel studio stamp on the reverse, 1960s (13)

These impressive X-Ray studies are in generally excellent condition. There are very occasional surface impressions, none breaking the emulsion, infrequent minor edge chipping, and very light episodic superficial soiling. The smooth, cream-colored mounts are ever-so-lightly bumped at the corners. A few mounts have minor dark brown soiling at the lower edge. 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 Carmel studio stamp on the reverse of these mounts does not appear in Haas's and Senf's book.
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.

A letter from Adams to Meroe Morse and Edwin Land at Polaroid, written in January 1965, refers to the 'X-Ray tests' that Adams had just completed; a copy of this typed letter accompanies the lot.  In his letter, Adams discusses the technical aspects of the prints, and makes the interesting observation that 'there is no reason why positive X-Ray images would not be useful—in fact, sometimes more revealing—but . . . the habit of reading negative images is rather firmly established.'

The reason for Adams's printing of these images is unknown, although it can be speculated that they were initiated in some way by Adams's and Land's shared interest in all things scientific.  Given the many technical and industrial applications for Polaroid materials, these photographs may also possibly represent a foray into medical photography.