Louis Auguste Bisson (1814-1876) and Auguste Rosalie Bisson (1826-1900)

albumen print, the photographers' initial stamp in red ink on the image, mounted, a facsimile signature stamp in red ink, the 'Photographes de S. M. L'Empereur' blindstamp, and title in pencil on the mount, circa 1862

Collection of André Jammes, Paris

Sotheby's Paris, La Photographie II: Collection Marie-Thérèse et André Jammes, 21 March 2002, Sale 2003, Lot 132

Bernard Marbot, Les Frères Bisson photographes: De flèche en cime, 1840-1870 (Bibliothèque Nationale de France, 1999), no. 162

Simon Kelly and April M. Watson, Impressionist France: Visions of Nation from Le Gray to Monet (Saint Louis Art Museum and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 2013), fig. 21, p. 255

Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10--a 10 being an albumen print with rich dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail--this print rates a 10. It has deep, eggplant dark tones and warm, creamy highlights in the snow-covered rock face. This photograph is in generally very good condition. Tiny deposits of original retouching and long linear scuffs and impressions are visible, primarily in the upper portion of the image, upon close examination in raking light. The print is on a heavy paper mount, which is lightly soiled and age-darkened at its periphery. The number '4' and the title '30. Le Mont Blanc vu du Jardin de Talèfre' are in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. On the reverse of the mount, 'dupl. à conserver' is in an unidentified hand in pencil.
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.