Ansel Adams

mounted to Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, the photographer's Carmel studio stamp (BMFA 5) on the reverse, 1958, probably printed between 1962 and 1963 (400 Photographs, p. 373)

This early, luminous print is in generally excellent condition. There is a tiny brown adhesion of indetermine nature in the lower portion of the image, which is barely perceptible as it blends into the foliage of this highly detailed image. Only visible upon very close examination are the following: a slight lifting of the emulsion at the lower edge; a small raised area, likely a particle trapped between the print and the mount during mounting, in the upper right corner; and 2 small scratches, which may break the emulsion, in the upper right quadrant. The mount is appropriately age-darkened but is generally clean. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. Our dating of this print is based upon the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamp 5 on the reverse of the mount: 1962 to 1963.
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.