Brassaï

ferrotyped, numbered 'No. 114' in pencil and with the photographer's copyright, 'Tirage de l'Auteur' (in duplicate), '81, Rue du Faub St-Jacques, Paris-XIV Port-Royal 23-41,' and '81, Faubourg St-Jacques, Paris XIV Tél. 707-23-41' studio stamps on the reverse, framed, Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, and Matthew Marks Gallery, New York, labels on the reverse, 1937, probably printed in the 1950s or early 1960s

Prakapas Gallery, New York

Acquired from Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, 1996

San Francisco, Fraenkel Gallery, Open Secrets: Seventy Pictures on Paper 1815 to The Present, 1996

Open Secrets: Seventy Pictures on Paper 1815 to the Present (San Francisco, 1996), pl. 50 (this print)

Brassaï (Museum of Modern Art, 1968), cover

Brassaï, Camera in Paris (London, 1949), p. 87

Brassaï: The Eye of Paris (New York, 1993), p. 125

This ferrotyped print of one of Brassai's best-known images is in generally very good condition. As is typical of the ferrotyping process, superficial surface scratches, pitting, and a slight unevenness of the generally glossy surface are visible. There is a small black adhesion of indeterminate nature near the left edge. In high raking light, a number of small, soft and sharp handling creases are visible overall, some of which appear to break the emulsion. Fingerprints and occasional deposits of original retouching are also visible in raking light. There is a 1½-inch diagonal crease extending from the lower edge and an 1/8-inch tear along the upper edge. None of these disturbances are immediately apparent when viewing the photograph normally, and they do not detract from the overall fine appearance of this print. These issues are characteristic of the majority of Brassai's pre-1970s prints. This print is trimmed to the image. There is minor wear at the edges and corners, with attendant tiny losses of emulsion. On the reverse of the print are the following annotations in an unidentified hand: '114' [circled] in pencil; '6' in pencil; and 'Mi. 7. E' in ink. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print appears to fluoresce faintly.
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.