Francesca Woodman

signed, addressed, extensively inscribed in pencil, and with a 13-cent postage stamp on the reverse, 1975-76

Gift of the photographer to the present owner, 1970s, when students together at the Rhode Island School of Design

For variants, see Francesca Woodman (Zurich, 1992), pp. 70-71; Francesca Woodman (Siena, 2009); p. 49, Francesca Woodman (SFMoMA, 2011), pp. 28-9; and Francesca Woodman (Cologne, 2014), pp. 20-21 and 175

This early photograph, on warm-toned medium-weight paper with a slight surface sheen, was originally folded into quarters. These vertical and horizontal creases are more visible in the margins when viewed under normal conditions; in the image itself, they are visible primarily in raking light. Also visible in raking light are a number of small handling creases, both linear and crescent-shaped, overall. There is a pinhole in the upper margin. There are small gray areas of what appears to be stray exposure, as well as deposits of indeterminate nature, possibly chemical staining, in the margins. The edges are rubbed, the corners are rounded and creased. The reverse of the print has very pale rust-colored staining at the lower left, with a spot in the address area. These do not obscure the letter on the reverse. There is slight age-darkening at the periphery on the reverse.
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.

Woodman sent this photograph by mail to a friend and classmate at the Rhode Island School of Design.  It reads on the reverse,

'Dear Cindy,  As you can see things are squirming.  I took this of me and Morris yesterday.  We miss you extremely.  I only wear your shoes and am very rabbit skinned.  I haven't been writing any letters.  It isn't right.  A week ago I bought a bottle of sherry and did that all alone.  Actually, it was nice.  I've been in darkroom 12 hours a day for last two weeks and I think I will? lost my train of thought.  Huwumph.  How would you like to have me for spring break April 2-12.  Need to dispose of me someplace nice.  Saw a truck full of wooden reindeer once.  Things are good for me.  Everyone wants to be my friend.  No, trust I am happy being alone again. XX And if I had a thread and needle / and if I could sew / I sew that girl to my coattails / and down the road I'd go. Francesca'