Roger Fenton

salt print, title, date, and photographer's and publisher's credit in letterpress and the 'T. Agnew and Sons' blindstamp on the mount, circa 1855

Lunn Ltd., New York, 1992

Grading this salt print on a scale of 1 to 10 - a 10 being a print with rich, deep, brown tones, and highlights that retain all of their original detail - this print rates a strong 10. The photograph's tones range from dark, near-black chocolate to bright, warm white, with no apparent fading or yellowing. The print delivers a great amount of detail, both in the rocky foreground and distant horizon. A few tiny, white specks (including an 1/8-inch thin, white line) that are visible upon very close examination are in the negative and are not features of the present print. The print is on a large debossed paper mount. The following is in letterpress on the mount: 'The Mamelon & Malakoff, from the Mortar Battery'; 'Photographed by R. Fenton Manchester Published by T. Agnew & Sons, Febry 29th, 1856. / London, P. & D. Colnaghi & Co. Paris, Moulin, 23, Rue Richer New York, Williams & Co'; and 'Deposé.' There is light but pervasive foxing on the front and reverse of the mount, some of which is also barely visible in the sky portion of the image. The periphery of the mount is faintly age-darkened and soiled. Numerous pin-holes and little tears at the upper edge of the mount suggest that this print was originally sewn into an album or volume.
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.