Carleton E. Watkins

3 mammoth-plate albumen prints, comprising The Domes from Union Point, Yosemite; Glacier Point from Eagle Point Trail, Yosemite; and Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall from Glacier Point, Yosemite, each mounted, 1878-81 (Naef 268 and 273) (3)

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 to 8. The dark tones are generally strong, but the highlights have become more subdued and slightly yellowed with age. Individual issues of loss of saturation or detail are indicated below. These mounted photographs were originally in an album in which they were affixed back-to-back with another mounted photograph. The paired photographs’ mounts were expertly separated from one another. As a result of this, a faint linen-like texture can be seen in the surface of the prints when they are examined closely in raking light, and the reverse of the mounts have a very slightly rough texture. A thin strip of linen tape runs along the upper, left, or right mount edge. Visible in raking light throughout the prints are scattered surface scratches and scuffs. The periphery of the mounts are appropriately age-darkened, and there are creases and light wear primarily at the edges. 'The Domes from Union Point, Yosemite' (Naef 268) - There is a thin band that exhibits slight fading along the right edge of the print. There is light soiling along the upper mount edge, and the lower left edge is rippled from previous exposure to moisture. 'Glacier Point from Eagle Point Trail, Yosemite' (Naef 273) - There is a great retention of detail and tonality, although there is a slight tonal shift along the right edge of the print. The number '6' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil along the right mount edge. The mount is lightly soiled. 'Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall from Glacier Point, Yosemite' - Upon close examination, the following are visible: a 2-inch scratch that does not break the emulsion in the upper left portion of the sky; 2 small light-brown deposits of indeterminate nature in the middle-left portion of the image; a tiny chip in the lower-right corner of the print; and a few small deposits of original retouching in the sky.
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.

In Carleton Watkins: The Complete Mammoth Photographs, Weston Naef and Christine Hult-Lewis locate another print of The Domes from Union Point in the Yosemite Museum at Yosemite National Park, California.  Other prints of The Domes from Union Point and Glacier Point from Eagle Point Trail were offered in these rooms in the sale of The Gordon L. Bennett Collection (28 April 2004, Sale 7966, Lots 61 and 69).