Brassaï

gelatin silver print, signed and editioned '12/30' in ink in the margin, annotated and with edition '12/30' in pencil and the photographer's '81, Faubourg St-Jacques, Paris 14eme, Tél. 707.23.41' copyright and other stamps on the reverse, circa 1932, printed later

Alain Sayag and Annick Lionel-Marie, eds., Brassaï: The Monograph (London and Boston, 2000), p. 89 (another print)

This photograph is double-weight paper with a nearly matte surface. It is in generally excellent condition. In raking light, a few tiny deposits of original retouching are visible. The few thin scratches and tiny white dots that are visible, and the slight irregularity at the lower edge of the image, are in the negative and not features of the present print. There are a few small creases in the margins, some of which appear to break the emulsion. On the reverse of the print, 'Couple d'amies,' 'PL.437A.T932,' '12/30,' and 'G5509' are written in pencil. The reverse of the print is stamped: '(C) Copyright by Brassai, 81, Faubourg St-Jacques, Paris 14eme, Tél. 707.23.41'; 'Interdiction de Reproduire Sans Autorisation de l'Auteur'; and 'Tirage de l'Auteur.'
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.