David Octavius Hill (1802-1870) & Robert Adamson (1821-1848)

arched-top calotype from a paper negative, mounted, the Royal Scottish Academy monogram on the mount, framed, Buhl Collection and Guggenheim Museum exhibition labels on the reverse, circa 1845 (Stevenson, p. 163)

Originally in the Collection of the Royal Scottish Academy

Christie's New York, 5 October 1999, Sale 9298, Lot 25

Hans P. Kraus, Jr., Inc., New York

Nathalie Karg, Ltd., New York, 2001, agent

New York, Guggenheim Museum, Speaking with Hands: Photographs from The Buhl Collection, June - September 2004, and 4 other international venues through 2007 (see Appendix 1)

Jennifer Blessing, Speaking with Hands: Photographs from The Buhl Collection (Guggenheim Foundation, 2004), pp. 18 and 223 (this print)

Grading this salt print on a scale of 1 to 10 – a 10 being a salt print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail – this print rates a 9. There is some very mild fading on the periphery of the print, which one frequently sees in Hill & Adamson's work; this is not especially pronounced in the print offered here. The print's tones are a lovely reddish brown. The print is mounted to heavy, flexible buff paper. The following penciled inscriptions are present on the front of the mount: "R/4/42 W3" [in the upper right corner]; and "R433" [in the lower right corner].
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.