Ansel Adams

unique Polaroid Type 55 print, inscribed with technical data in red ink in the margin, a San Francisco studio stamp (BMFA 4) on the reverse, framed, Polaroid Collection and Ansel Adams & Edwin Land exhibition labels and Polaroid Collection stamps on the reverse, 1950s or early 1960s

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)

Constance Sullivan, ed., Legacy of Light (New York, 1987),  p. 25 (this print)

This photograph is dated 1966 in the Polaroid Collection database, and is illustrated with that date in Legacy of Light. Adams's San Francisco studio stamp on the reverse of this print, however, is believed to have been used between 1950 and 1962. Adams's stamp would seem to prevail as a determiner of date, as he would conceivably have wanted to use his most current studio address for practical reasons. We have dated this print as having likely been made in the 1950s or early 1960s. This beautiful print is in near-excellent condition. When viewed closely, a very few tiny spots of discoloration can be seen in the lower left quadrant. There is a very faint handling crease along the right portion of the upper edge that does not break the emulsion. There is some minor soiling in the margins, and some tape remains on the reverse. None of these condition issues diminish the impact of this concise and detail-filled image.
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.