Peter Beard

a unique diptych, signed, titled, dated, and annotated in ink in the margins, with extensive colored ink and blood embellishment, framed, 1959, printed later (Peter Beard, Vol. I, p. 327)

Gift of the photographer

Private collection, Montauk

Acquired from the above

This unique work has not been examined out of its frame. It appears to be in generally very good condition. The two images are printed on one sheet of double-weight paper with a slightly glossy surface, and the sheet is tipped intermittently around the edges to a board covered in fine taupe linen. The print is wavy, which is typical of the photographer's work when blood and ink have been applied. The edges of the print are curling slightly upward from its mount. There is a sharp handling crease that appears to slightly break the emulsion in Brigitte Bardot's thigh area in the image at right. The notations, by the photographer, are as follows: 'Shagwong' near the upper left corner; and 'Cous. Jerome Hill and B. B. @ La Batterie, Cassis. B. du R. S. France 1959. Peter Beard, Silliman Coll., 1772 Yale Station, New Haven, Conn.' in black ink in the lower left margin. The ink annotation on the South Lake Framing Company, Montauk, label reads: 'Brazilian Cherry/Oil Finish, 4/03.'
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.