Robert Rauschenberg

unique bleached Polaroid Polapan print, mounted to aluminum, signed and dated in silver ink on the mount, in a frame designed to the artist's specifications, 1988

The present work illustrates the inventiveness with which the artist approached photography, specifically Polaroid photography, and his desire to push past the normal bounds of the camera and combine elements of other media into his work. The Bleacher series has its genesis in the photographer's first encounter with Polaroid's massive 20-by-24-inch camera. The large sheets of Polapan film Rauschenberg used during these sessions required, like Polaroid's smaller consumer-market black-and-white film, a coating after development that arrested the action of the developing agent and created a hard protective surface for the print. Rauschenberg experimented with selectively coating his prints and leaving them in the sun to hasten the effect of his treatment. Frustrated that this did not result in an immediate or sufficient change in the appearance of his photographs, Rauschenberg selectively applied bleach to the surface of the prints. This had the effect of altering the appearance of certain areas, creating a multi-layered image that operates as both a literal depiction of its subject and an abstract riff upon it. This unique, hand-worked print is in generally very good condition. There are scattered fine scratches and pin-point-sized abrasions overall, which likely occurred during and as a result of processing. On the reverse of the aluminum frame, 'RR.8816' is written in an unidentified hand in 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.

A similar print of this image, also unique, is in the collection of the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris.