Paul Strand

waxed platinum print, flush-mounted, signed, titled, and dated in green ink on the reverse, framed, 1933 (Retrospective Monograph 1915-1968, p. 123; Paul Strand in Mexico, p. 215)

Paul Hertzmann, Inc., San Francisco

Irving Galleries, Palm Beach, 2000

Strand made this photograph with his 5 x 7-inch Graflex camera. According to Montoya, Strand masked the film plane and ground glass to alter the format of this camera and render a 4-5/8 x 5-7/8-inch image. In order to photograph without detection, Strand fitted the camera with an optical prism, allowing him to make portraits without pointing his camera directly at his subjects. This platinum print has warm, creamy highlights and rich, dark blacks. As is typical of Strand's platinum prints from this period, it has been coated by the photographer with wax or varnish. It is essentially in excellent condition. The print is trimmed to the image, and there is very minor wear along the edges and at the corners. This print is flush-mounted to cream-colored board. The flush-mounted print is affixed to the mat's back board with small pieces of tape in the four corners. The reverse of the mount is visible through an opening in the mat backboard and is signed, titled, and dated in green ink.
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.

According to Strand authority Anthony Montoya, this print is likely unique in the platinum process.  Aside from the present print, there are gelatin-silver-print enlargements, made in the 1960s, in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Fundación Televisa in Mexico City.