Charles Clifford

albumen print, numbered '42' in the negative, numbered '30.' in ink and blindstamped on the image, mounted, framed, Joy of Giving Something collection and Fraenkel Gallery labels on the reverse, circa 1857

Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, 1993

New York, The Equitable Gallery (in association with The Spanish Institute), Spain, Espagne, Spanien: Foreign Artists Discover Spain, 1800-1900, July - September 1993

Viaje de Ida Y Vuelta (Centro de Estudios de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, and The Hispanic Society of America, New York, 2007), cover (cropped) and p. 150

Helmut and Alison Gernsheim, The History of Photography from the Camera Obscura to the Beginning of the Modern Era (New York, 1969), pl. 166

Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 - 10 being an albumen print that has deep dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail - this astonishing, rich print rates a strong 10. It has saturated, chocolate-eggplant dark tones and crisp, bright, creamy highlights. Extraordinary detail is visible, not only in the intricate carvings of the columns, lintel, and architectural sculpture, but also in the two figures in the central portion of the image. The two formally attired men -- pictured leaning in repose on the balcony railing -- provide a wonderful sense of scale for this impressive structure. The image remains exceptionally sharp and there is no apparent fading. This print is in generally excellent condition. The print is trimmed to the image, slightly unevenly along the upper left corner. The following are only visible upon the closest examination in high raking light: a few faint scuffs; tiny, white, matte deposits of indeterminate nature in the upper left quadrant; a few tiny raised areas, likely particles trapped beneath the print during mounting; and 1/2-inch crease or small tear extending from the left edge. The print is mounted to slick, white, flexible board, which is lightly soiled and age-darkened at the periphery. The left and right edges of the mount are rippled, not affecting the print. The mount is worn and chipped along the upper edge, where it was possibly previously removed from an album. 'SR' and 'CC.122:X' are written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount.
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.