Lewis W. Hine

mounted, annotations and reduction notations in pencil, red ink, and blue pencil on the mount, annotated in red and green pencil and ink, stamped, and with typed credit and printed barcode labels on the reverse, circa 1905, printed no later than 1920

Christie's New York, The National Geographic Collection: The Art of Exploration, 6 December 2012, Sale 2603, Lot 121

National Geographic, October 1920, p. 285, fig. 1 (this print)

Judith Mara Gutman, Lewis W. Hine, 1874-1940, Two Perspectives (New York, 1974), p. 12

This slightly warm-toned early print is on paper with a slight surface sheen. It is generally in very good condition. Consistent with a print of this age, in high raking light, faint uneven silvering is visible near the edges and there are occasional deposits of original retouching overall. There is minor edge wear, a faint linear deposit of graphite near the upper edge, and small fibrous adhesions along the right edge. This print is mounted to card, which measures 12 by 9 inches. The mount is soiled and heavily creased from handling. Reduction notations are in blue pencil and red ink, and 'Mona Lisa' is written in pencil. The typed label on the reverse of the mount reads: 'Photo by Lewis W. Hine CHARACTER STUDIES An Ellis Island Madonna (Russian Family). CREDIT LINE: Photo by Lewis W. Hine for National Child Labor Committee. Please return photo.' The reverse is stamped 'Photo Purchased,' 'H. F. Mat. 1920,' 'Redc Feb 24 1920,' 'Project Negative,' and 'Indexed.' Also on the reverse are the following notations: 'Plate I October 1920, p. 285' [in red pencil and ink]; 'Duotone Series' [crossed out and in red pencil]; 'I' [in red ink]; '13' [in green pencil]; '#3134A' [in ink]; and '6351/D13' [in pencil]. There are 3 barcode labels 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.