André Kertész

oversized, mounted, an Art Lending Service, Museum of Modern Art, label, with typed credit, title, price, and notations, on the reverse, framed, an Art Lending Service label on the reverse, 1961 (Greenough, pl. 89)

This photograph, on paper with a surface sheen, is in generally very good to excellent condition. The photographer's retouching is visible in the negative. There is a minor lifting of emulsion along the right print edge, which is not immediately apparent. The mount is age-darkened at its periphery. Extending from the left mount edge are three tide-lines, the largest of which measures no wider than one-inch. The reverse of the mount is soiled with fingerprints from handling. The following typed information is on the Art Lending Service label on the reverse of the mount: number 'LS 667-246'; artist 'Andre Kertesz'; title 'Thomas Jefferson, Munson-Williams-Proctor Museum'; medium 'photo'; price '$60 (unframed)'; rental 'For Sale Only'; and gallery 'Dept of Photography.' The Art Lending Service label on the reverse of the frame bears the same typed information as on the reverse of the mount and is annotated in ink '$75 (framed).'
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 Art Lending Service was launched in 1951 by the Junior Council of The Museum of Modern Art as a forum to educate young collectors about contemporary art.  In addition to renting artworks to MoMA members, the Art Lending Service also organized exhibitions from which members could purchase works.  Initially, small groups of exceptional works were exhibited, but in the early 1960s, the exhibitions became themed affairs organized by MoMA curators, highlighting works by both emerging and established artists.  John Szarkowski, Pierre Apraxine, and Grace Mayer were among the curators making the selections for these exhibitions.  Sales of photographs from the ALS began in 1960.  The Art Lending Service functioned successfully for more than thirty years and served as a model for other institutions. It ceased operations in 1982.