Berenice Abbott

(Roslyn Heights, New York: Witkin-Berley, Ltd., 1976, an edition of 50), a portfolio of 10 photographs, each mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, the portfolio label, sequential numbers and editon '47' in ink, on the reverse, 1920s-30s, printed in 1976; together with the title, colophon, plate list, preface by Abbott, and introduction by Hilton Kramer. Folio, silver cloth clamshell box with stamped title

These photographs, on paper with a surface sheen and a light texture, are in generally excellent condition. Excess dry-mounting tissue is occasionally visible at the prints' peripheries. The plates are as follows: 1. 'Night Scene, Manhattan' (New York at Night) 2. 'James Joyce' - In raking light, a few tiny deposits of original retouching are visible in the background areas. 3. 'Eugene Atget' - In raking light, 4 small creases are visible in the lower left and upper right corners, which likely occurred during dry-mounting. 4. 'Princess Eugene Murat' - In raking light, a few tiny deposits of original retouching and a small raised area in the upper left corner are visible. 5. 'Edward Hopper' - In raking light, small deposits of original retouching are visible overall. 6. 'Exchange Place' 7. 'Fifth Avenue at 8th Street' - In raking light, tiny deposits of retouching are visible, primarily in the sky area. 8. 'Blossom Restaurant, The Bowery' - In raking light, a soft one-inch crescent-shaped crease is visible at the left of the stairs. This may have occurred during dry-mounting. 9. 'Factory Warehouse, Brooklyn' 10. 'Experiment of Lens Formation With Many Mirrors' - In raking light, 3 tiny raised areas, likely particles trapped between the print and the mount during dry-mounting, are visible near the upper left edge and lower right quadrant. The portfolio is clean and in generally excellent condition.
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 plates are as follows:

'Night Scene, Manhattan' (New York at Night)

'James Joyce'

'Eugene Atget'

'Princess Eugene Murat'

'Edward Hopper'

'Exchange Place'

'Fifth Avenue at 8th Street' 

'Blossom Restaurant, The Bowery' 

'Factory Warehouse, Brooklyn'

'Experiment of Lens Formation With Many Mirrors'