William Henry Fox Talbot

salt print from a calotype negative, on hand-coated paper, 1845 (Schaaf 1913; Photographic Art, pl. 100)

Acquired by the present owner from Anthony Burnett-Brown and Janet Mary Burnett-Brown, great-great-grandchildren of William Henry Fox Talbot, 1968

This beautiful early photograph is in essentially excellent condition. The print has broad margins. Grading this salt print on a scale of one to ten – a ten being a print that has rich, brown dark tones, creamy highlights, and retains all of its original detail – this print rates an eight or nine. Nearly all of the original detail is present in this print, the only slightly light area being to the right of the sitter. An 'A' has been penciled into the left margin. The brown emulsion in the margins is slightly mottled, as is sometimes seen in Talbot's prints. The top and right edges appear to be trimmed by hand.
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.