Eugène Cuvelier

albumen print, numbered '266' in the negative, mounted, with title in pencil on the mount, 1860s (Cuvelier, no. 266)

The collection of John Chandler Bancroft, Middletown, Rhode Island

Gustave J. S. White Co., Auctioneers, Newport, Rhode Island, 1989

Acquired from the above by a New England antiques dealer

To the present owner, 1989

Judging this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 – a 10 being an albumen print with rich, deep brown dark tones, and highlights that retain all of their original detail – this print rates an 8. This print delivers a good amount of detail, particularly in the midrange, and it is essentially in very good condition. The center-portion of the left edge and the upper right corner of the print are pulling away slightly from the mount – this is only visible upon close examination. There are a few tiny tears along the left and lower print edges. The mount is lightly foxed and soiled, which does not affect the print, and the edges are rubbed. The title, in an unidentified hand in pencil along the lower right edge of the mount, is smudged.
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 Eugène Cuvelier, Ulrike Gauss accounts for only one print of this image: a salt print sold in these rooms on 13 April 2007 (An Important Collection of Photographs by Eugène and Adalbert Cuvelier, Sale 8308, Lot 24).