Carleton E. Watkins

a group of 4 mammoth-plate albumen prints, each mounted, title and numerical notations in pencil on the mount, framed, circa 1867 (Photographs of the Columbia River and Oregon, pls. 16, 24, and 34) (4)

Collection of the painter R. Swain Gifford, New Bedford, Massachusetts

Sotheby's New York, 1 November 1979, Sale 4295A, Lot 300, sold by order of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society Whaling Museum, New Bedford, Massachusetts

Grading these albumen prints on a scale of one to 10 – a 10 being an albumen print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail – these prints rate a 7. The dark tones are generally strong, but the highlights have become more subdued and slightly yellowed with age. Light silvering is somewhat visible at the peripheries as is a small band of faded tonality. In raking light, scattered long surface scratches and scuffs are visible throughout the prints, as are occasional impressions, some of which appear to break the emulsion. There are occasional disruptions to the surface texture of the prints. The reverse of the mounts are hinged with linen tape to mats. The mounts are age-darkened at the periphery and on the reverse. The mounts generally exhibit soiling from handling, and some light to moderate foxing, which do not appear to effect the prints. 'Cascade' (Upper Cascades from the Oregon side) - Along the lower edge of the print, there is a 1/4-inch loss of emulsion. The mount is numbered '422' in an unidentified hand in pencil. There is a 3/4-inch tear along the lower mount edge. 'Middle Landing Oregon Side' - In the mountain area, there is a tiny red adhesion of indeterminate nature. The mount is numbered '431' in an unidentified hand in pencil. There is an uneven tideline along the lower edge of the mount. There is a 1/8-inch tear along the lower mount edge. 'Rooster Rock Col. River' - In the tree area near the right edge of the print, there is a 2½-inch scratch that appears to break the emulsion, although this is camouflaged by the image. The print is lifting slightly from the mount along its upper edge. The mount is numbered '418' in an unidentified hand in pencil. 'Lower Cascades Oregon' - The mount is numbered '428' in an unidentified hand in pencil. There is a one-inch tear along the lower edge of the mount.
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.

These photographs come originally from the collection of painter R. Swain Gifford (1840-1905), known primarily for his marine studies and landscapes.  In 1869, Gifford travelled West while working on illustrations for three articles to appear in Picturesque America.  It is believed that it was during that trip that Gifford acquired these, and a number of other mammoth-plate prints, directly from Watkins.  Gifford's subsequent engravings published in Picturesque America reflect Watkins's influence.