Heinz Hajek-Halke (1898 - 1983)

Tirage argentique d'époque. Monogrammé 3 h à l'encre en bas à droite. Au verso, signé au feutre noir, avec les tampons 'H. Hajek-Halke Experimentelle Fotografie für Presse und Werbung', 'H. Hajek-Halke Koblenz/ Ehrenbreitstein Rheinburg', le tampon d'archive et le numéro d'archive au crayon.

Vintage silver print. Monogrammed 3 h in ink at lower right. On the reverse, signed in black felt tip pen, with the photographer's 'H. Hajek-Halke Experimentelle Fotografie für Presse und Werbung' and 'H. Hajek-Halke Koblenz/ Ehrenbreitstein Rheinburg' stamps, the archive stamp and the archive number in pencil.

Generally in good condition. There are discoloured remnants of an earlier adhesive tape at the upper edge, with one tear of approx. 3cm at the left edge near the top, with some tiny dicoloured spots and strong white retouching on the surface, with a few light vertical folds going over the whole lenght of the print.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cette photographie exceptionnelle est remarquable dans l'œuvre de Hajek-Halke en ce sens qu'elle est l'un des rares tirages qui portent son monogramme 3 h sur le recto. Elle a été manipulée par l'artiste d'une façon assez rare: les lignes blanches entourant le torse féminin noir sont "peintes" sur la surface avec de l'encre blanche. Cette épreuve était apparemment utilisée pour reproduction.

This exceptional photograph is outstanding in Hajek-Halke's oeuvre in that it is one of the rare prints which are signed on the recto with his unique 3 h monogram, and has been manipulated by the artist in a rather uncommon way: the white lines surrounding the black female torso are "painted" on the surface with white ink. The print was apparently used for reproduction.