Anna Atkins

cyanotype photogram, titled in the image, mounted to an album leaf, early 1850s

Acquired from William L. Schaeffer/Photographs, Chester, Connecticut, circa 1991

This cyanotype, with vibrant medium-to-dark blue coloring, is in generally very good to excellent condition. The lower left corner tip of the image is rubbed. There are a few tiny, barely noticeable deposits of indeterminate nature visible on the image. As is typical of the album pages on which Atkins's works are typically mounted, this page is rippled. There is faint age-darkening on the mount at the periphery. Faint impressions left by the matting corners are visible in the mount's margin corners and on the reverse. None of these issues detracts from the fine appearance of this early cyanotype. On the front and back of the mount, there are tiny specks, likely foxing. These do not affect the 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.