Edward Weston

mounted, signed and dated in pencil on the mount, titled, numbered '51SO,' annotated 'NY,' and priced '20.00' [crossed out] in pencil on the reverse, 1936

Sotheby's New York, 23 April 2003, Sale 7885, Lot 143

Conger 947

Beaumont Newhall, Supreme Instants: The Photography of Edward Weston (Boston, 1986), cat. 124

Kurt Marcus, ed., Dune: Edward & Brett Weston (Montana, 2003), p. 45

This striking print of Edward Weston's 'Dunes - Oceano' represents the prime early state of the image from 1936. Printed on paper with a glossy surface and affixed to a slick white mount, the photograph is fully signed and dated on the mount and titled in pencil on the reverse. As one would expect from Weston, this early print delivers a great deal of detail and exhibits rich tonality. It is in generally excellent condition. In raking light, the following are visible: scattered deposits of original retouching; a few pin-point-sized impressions that do not appear to break the emulsion in the upper and left portions of the image; and a 3/4-inch thin linear impression near the lower edge. The slick white mount is lightly soiled from handling, primarily at the edges. Along the left edge, there are a few light-rust-colored deposits of indeterminate nature. There is a tiny abrasion to the upper paper-ply near the lower right corner of the mount. There are 2 small isolated areas of dark soiling on the reverse.
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.

Prints of this dune study are scarce and seldom appear at auction.  In addition to the print in the Center for Creative Photography, Tucson, Conger locates only two prints in these institutions: Huntington Library, San Marino; and the University of California, Santa Cruz, this last a Project Print.