Ansel Adams

unique Polaroid Type 55 print, inscribed 'Hypo Chrystals [sic]' in ink and the 'Polaroid Land Photograph by Ansel Adams' and handling instruction stamps on the reverse, signed in ink on the mat, titled and with the 'Polaroid Land Photograph by Ansel Adams' stamp on the mat interior, framed, Polaroid Collection and Ansel Adams & Edwin Land exhibition labels and a Polaroid Collection stamp on the reverse, 1962

Pittsburgh, Ansel Adams at Silver Eye Center for Photography, November 1999 - January 2000

Quito, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, From the Polaroid Collection: Ansel Adams, sponsored by the Embassy of the United States, October - November 2001, and traveling to 3 other venues through 2003 (see Appendix 1)

Naples, Florida, Museum of Art, Ansel Adams & Edwin Land: Art, Science and Invention, Photographs from the Polaroid Collection, May - July 2004, and traveling to 8 other venues through 2007 (see Appendix 1)

Ansel Adams, Polaroid Land Photography (Boston, 1978),  p. 20 (this print)

This exquisite print is in excellent condition. It not only has the full complement of stamps and Adams's notations, it is in an early thin slick board exhibition mat that is signed by Adams in ink. The print's lower left margin corner is torn away – this does not affect the image. It is affixed to the reverse of the underside of the mat's window with two pieces of masking tape.
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.

The subject matter of this photograph, crystalline sodium sulfite, has a direct relationship to the Polaroid Type 55 positive/negative film used to make this image.  After exposure and development, a solution of sodium sulfite was required to 'clear' the negative, i. e., wash away the opaque backing on the reverse of the acetate film.  Of this photograph, Adams wrote, 'The crystals were photographed at 1:1; the lens was thus extended to twice its focal length and the extension factor was 4' (Polaroid Land Photography, p. 20).  For a gelatin silver print enlarged from the corresponding negative, see Lot 248.