Irving Penn

mounted to Bainbridge Kromo-Lite illustration board, signed, dated, and dedicated 'for my perpetual subject Oliver' in ink on the mount, the photographer's 'Photograph by Penn' copyright and Condé Nast stamps on the reverse, framed, a Pace Wildenstein MacGill, New York, label on the reverse, 1947 (U. S. Camera Annual 1949, pp. 24-5; Moments Preserved, pp. 146)

Originally in the collection of Oliver Smith

Pace/MacGill, New York, 1996

This early print, mounted to Bainbridge Kromo-Lite illustration board, is in generally very good condition. Faint silvering is visible in raking light. Upon close examination, the upper edge of the image appears slightly yellowed, and there are several small areas of inpainting at the print's periphery. This print has recently undergone conservation, primarily to address minor edge chipping, and a full treatment report is available upon request from the department. There is an 8-inch tideline along the left edge of the mount and light foxing is visible overall. Neither of these issues affects the print. On the reverse of the mount are illegible notations, possibly for framing, in pencil along the upper edge.
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.

This photograph is inscribed to Oliver Smith (1918-1994), Co-Director of the American Ballet Theatre from 1945 to 1980 and again from 1990 to 1992.  A prolific scenic designer, producer, and Tony Award winner, Smith is known for his work on the Broadway staging of West Side Story, the Hollywood production of Guys and Dolls, and the Ballet Theatre’s Fall River Legend, among many others.  In Penn’s image, Smith is seated with his ballet company, fourth from the left.