W. Eugene Smith

mounted, titled and annotated in ink and pencil and with credit, copyright, reproduction rights, and collection stamps on the reverse, framed, 1954 (Johnson 22:063)

Robert Mann Gallery, New York, 1994

This photograph is in generally very good condition. In raking light, silvering and occasional deposits of original retouching are visible. Upon close examination are the following: faint scratches, some of which appear to break the emulsion; and an eraser-head-sized loss that appears to have been retouched in the lower left quadrant. This photograph is overmatted, and the corners of the overmat are creased and abraded. The reverse of the mount is soiled and there are abrasions to the top paper-ply. On the reverse of the mount are various stamps, including: 'Print Must Be Returned Undamaged' (twice) 'Photograph By W. Eugene Smith' 'Credit & Copyright W. Eugene Smith, 821 Ave. of The Americas, New York, N. Y., Tel. 212LA4-6935' (3 times) 'This photograph may not be reproduced without written consent of W. Eugene Smith' 'A. E. Woolley, PhD., 803 Edgemoor Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 08034' (annotated 'Collection of' in ink) The reverse of the mount is annotated as follows: '66%' (in pencil); '155' (in red crayon); and 'SPH' (in red ink).
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 present print comes originally from the collection of A. E. Woolley (1926-1997), a former student of Smith's.  Woolley, a noted photojournalist, published work in Time, Parade, and Sports Illustrated magazines, and wrote extensively on the craft and tools of photography.  Woolley was also an accomplished professor, teaching at Louisiana State University and the State University of New York.