John Ebstel

Acquired from the artist's estate by the present owner

Each on double weight paper and, with the exception of one image, with white border. Some images slightly yellowed in the margins and slightly undulating. The majority titled and with copyright cypher in the border. Comprising: Two portraits of Esherick with a sculpted horse, one with waxed crayon marks on the image for reproduction purposes and with reproduction stamp on the reverse, with surface dirt and light handling creases overall, towards the corners each have a small hole where they were pinned to a board, resulting in slight emulsion loss. The variant image unsigned. Esherick Studio images including: Three studies of the spiral stair with coat pegs and other works by Esherick, one with waxed crayon marks on the image for reproduction purposes, the reverse inscribed in pencil `stairs case goes Dining Room & Living area - kitchen - entrance with sitting room, in Paoli Penn - build the house from start', with small holes in the top margin and in the image in the middle of the lower edge, the other image unsigned, one not examined out of frame One study of a carved oak coat peg One study of three carved oak and ebony caricature coat pegs One study of a sculpted entrance door latch One study of a sculpted horse in front of the sculpted loading doors One study of the lower section of a carved oak drop leaf desk showing kneeling male and female figures Two duplicate studies of a three legged stool in front of two standing wood panels, one unsigned, the other signed on the image One image of the Miliken Sofa with kitchen beyond, not examined out of frame Two variant studies of the dining room with applewood and walnut mosaic floor, one not examined out of frame Other subjects: Six images of the Seivers' living-room, dining-room, including four images of the same scene, one of which with one with waxed crayon marks on the image for reproduction purposes and with reproduction stamp on the reverse and annotated in pencil `Villanova Pens Mr & Mrs Siever (sic.), , with surface dirt, some light re-touching and light handling creases overall, towards the corners each have a small hole where they were pinned to a board, resulting in slight emulsion loss, the other two prints of the same image, unsigned; one of the other images with slight creasing to the left side and small red spot in the bottom left corner, one not examined out of frame Three studies of a fireplace, a chair and a shovel, all unsigned And an image of a stone carved female face in a garden, without white border, unsigned. Exhibition frames are not included with this lot.
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.

Edward Quigley and John Ebstel were both established Philadelphia-based photographers by the 1930s.  Quigley was widely recognized for his experimentation with light abstractions, which he began as early as 1931.  Ebstel would later become the exclusive photographer to document the architectural commissions of Louis Kahn.  Each portfolio expresses the distinct eye of the individual photographer while capturing a rare glimpse of Esherick’s works.