Irving Penn

4 photographs, each with the photographer's 'Photograph by Irving Penn' stamp and number in pencil, and one with title in pencil and Famous Photographers School stamp, on the reverse, framed, 1961 (New York Times 'T' magazine, Lauren Tabach-Bank, 'Talking Talent/Bert Stern,' 4 April 2013) (4)

These somewhat warm-toned prints, on double-weight paper with a surface sheen, are in generally very good to excellent condition. #1 (closeup in suit, facing left), number '6283-78' and title in pencil on the reverse; with 'Famous Photographers Schools, Wilton Road, Westport, Conn.' stamp - The thin margin edges are rubbed and slightly age-darkened. When examined in raking light, creasing is visible at the top center of the image, as well as in the lower right corner of the print, where the crease appears to break the emulsion. The reverse is lightly soiled and age-darkened at the periphery. #2 (in suit, facing left with hand on chin), number '6282-99' in pencil on the reverse - When examined in raking light, a crease that does not break the emulsion is visible in the lower left corner. There is light soiling and slight age-darkening in the periphery on the reverse. #3 (in shirt, facing left, with hand on shoulder), number '6282-102' in pencil on the reverse - In raking light, a very small, faint impression is visible in the sitter's neck. #4 (in shirt, hand on mouth), number '6282-99' in pencil on the reverse - This print is in generally excellent condition. In raking light, silvering is visible in the black negative edges. One of these portraits (#1) was used used in the Famous Photographers Course, Volume I, Lesson 1, 'Finding and Creating Good Pictures,' pp. 18; 2 and 24 [cropped]. This photograph was made with a Rolleiflex with a 75mm f/3.5 lens; Plus-X film; 1/5 second at f/11; daylight.
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 photographs in this and the following two lots come from the archives of the Famous Photographers School, a correspondence course for budding photographers that operated from 1964 into the 1970s.  Irving Penn was a member of the school’s Guiding Faculty, along with Richard Avedon, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Philippe Halsman, Bert Stern, and Ezra Stoller.

One of these portraits by Penn, of fellow faculty member Bert Stern, was used extensively in the press for the release of the 2011 film, Bert Stern: Original Madman.