- 39
Robert Frank
Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 USD
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Description
- Robert Frank
- 'SOUTH CAROLINA' (CHARLESTON)
- Gelatin silver print
- 7 13/16 x 11 3/8 inches
flush-mounted, signed, titled, dated, and copyrighted and with the photographer's copyright stamp, with credit and date in ink, his 'Robert Frank Archive' stamp, with title, date, and number '773' in pencil, and annotations in pencil and ink on the reverse, 1955-56
Provenance
Lunn Ltd., New York
Sotheby's New York, 2 October 1996, Sale 6888, Lot 352
Literature
Robert Frank, The Americans (New York, 1986), p. 35
Sarah Greenough and Philip Brookman, Robert Frank: Moving Out (Washington, D. C.: National Gallery of Art, 1994), pp. 173 and 197
Sarah Greenough, Robert Frank's The Americans: Looking In (Washington, D. C.: National Gallery of Art, 2009), pp. xiii, 174, 225, 463, and Contact #13
LIFE Library of Photography: Documentary Photography (New York, 1972), p. 171
Mike Weaver, ed., The Art of Photography, 1839-1989 (Yale University Press, 1989), pl. 321
Condition
This early print, with its impressive range of tones, is in generally excellent condition. It is on paper with a subtle sheen and is flush-mounted to an off-white board. The edges are very slightly rubbed, and the corners are rounded, with some tiny loss of emulsion. When examined in raking light, extremely small, faint scuffs and scratches are somewhat visible.
The reverse of the flush mount is lightly soiled, and there is age-darkening at the periphery. Reduction notations '111' (circled) and 'H' (circled) are written in pencil. In addition to Robert Frank's own signature, title, and date in black ink are the following in an unidentified hand in blue ink: 'Robert Frank,' 'The Americans,' and 'Charleston S. C.'
When examined with ultraviolet light, this print does not appear to fluoresce.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
''The work of two contemporary photographers, Bill Brandt of England and the American, Walker Evans, have influenced me. When I first looked at Walker Evans' photographs, I thought of something Malraux wrote: 'To transform destiny into awareness.'''
Robert Frank, 1958