Andreas Feininger

a diptych of ferrotyped gelatin silver prints, each with the photographer’s ‘Foto: Andreas Feininger’ credit stamp and title and annotations in an unidentified hand in pencil, the left print with typed title, on the reverse, framed together, 1940

Phillips de Pury & Company, 27 April 2005, Sale 40105, Lot 163

'New York: A Big Spectacle in Big Pictures,' LIFE, 14 April 1941, Vol. 10, No. 15, p. 95 (another print)

These ferrotyped prints are in generally good condition. As is typical of ferrotyped prints, some pitting, surface scratches, and a slight unevenness of the very glossy surface are visible upon close examination. A few tiny deposits of original retouching are also visible. There are several small and long sharp creases, some of which appear to break the emulsion. The prints are trimmed to the image, and the edges are worn with attendant chipping of the emulsion. The reverse of the prints are soiled and darkened at the edges. Left print: There is a ½-inch tear along the upper edge and there are small losses along the upper right corner of the print. There is a ½-inch loss of emulsion along the right edge, which is not visible when viewed as a diptych. There is a small rust-colored droplet of indeterminate nature in the upper right portion of the image. The typed title on the reverse reads '86-87 Sheep's Meadow, Central Park.' Also on the reverse are the following notations, in pencil unless otherwise specified: 'Sheeps Meadow in Central Park'; 'Center: Hotel Pierre'; 'Right: Hotel Sherry-Netherland and Hotel Savoy-Plaza'; '10 1/2 x 13 5/8'; 'Plate 10 1/2 x 13 3/4' [in red pencil]; 'D'; '86' [circled and in red pencil] and '130' [circled]. 'Crop' with a directional arrow is written along the upper and lower edges. Right print: On the reverse are the following notations, in pencil unless otherwise specified: 'Sheeps Meadow in Central Park'; 'Left: Squibb Bldg.'; 'Center left: Hotel Plaza'; '10 1/2 x 13 5/8'; 'Plate 10 1/2 x 13 3/4' [in red pencil]; 'D'; '87' [circled and in red pencil] and '131' [circled]. 'Crop with a directional arrow is written along the upper and lower edges.
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.