Roy DeCarava

large-format, flush-mounted, title and annotations in pencil on the reverse, 1952, printed circa 1960

Originally from the library of Harry Belafonte

Acquired from Argosy Book Store, New York

Peter Galassi, Roy DeCarava: A Retrospective (The Museum of Modern Art, 1996), p. 140

Sarah Hermanson Meister, ed., Life of the City: New York Photographs from The Museum of Modern Art (The Museum of Modern Art, 2007), p. 38

This large, early print, on paper that is semi-matte and unevenly flush-mounted to heavy white board, is in generally good condition. There is a slight wave in the print/mount. The edges are rubbed and exhibit a very slightly warmer tonality. The edges of the print are rubbed, the corners are bumped, and there are attendant losses of emulsion. There are small flaws in the negative that have not been retouched in the print. The reverse of the flush-mount is soiled, with age-darkening at the periphery, and it has been titled and annotated '15' (underlined) and '4 on 4.'
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.

The photograph offered here and in Lot 59 are believed to have been used in Belafonte, New York 19, a 1960 television special celebrating New York's Postal Code 19, a diverse melting pot of culture and the arts.