František Drtikol

pigment print, the photographer's blindstamp on the image, flush-mounted, mounted again, signed and dated in pencil on the mount, signed, titled, numbered 'XXXIV,' and annotated with the photographer's studio address 'Praha II. Vodičkova 7 Czechoslovakia' and 'Pigment' in ink on the reverse, 1926

Swann Galleries, 21 October 2003, Sale 1981, Lot 110

Vladimír Birgus and Antonin Braný, František Drtikol (Prague, 1988), pl. 48

Kateřina Klaricová, František Drtikol, Panorama (Prague, 1989), pl. 91

Anna Fárová, František Drtikol: Art-Deco Photographer (Munich, 1993), unpaginated

Vladimír Birgus, Fotograf František Drtikol (Prague, 1994), pl. 58

This print has all of the richness and nuance characteristic of Drtikol's finest pigment prints. The shadowy dark of the draped cloth has great depth, and the highlights of the model's skin a creamy tonality. This print is in generally excellent condition. A few tiny deposits of retouching, likely original, are visible upon very close examination. There is a very small loss of emulsion along the edge in the lower left corner. The sturdy, textured mount is appropriately age-darkened at the edges, and there is minor soiling. Droplets and dampstaining on the reverse of the mount do not affect the image.
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.