György Kepes

oversized, mixed-technique print with photogram and cliché-verre elements, signed, dated, and annotated ‘Graphic drucke’ and ‘only copy’ in pencil on the reverse, 1950

Acquired by the current owner, a fellow photographer and educator, 1980s

Peter Pollack, The Picture History of Photography (New York, 1963), p. 587 (there titled Light Texture)

This large and dramatic multi-technique print is on substantial double-weight paper with a very slightly warm tonality. When examined closely in raking light, a number of handling creases can be seen throughout. There is a 1-inch scratch in the surface of the lower left quadrant of the image which has resulted in a small loss of emulsion. There is a smaller loss of emulsion attendant to handling crease in the upper left quadrant. Given the very visually-active composition, neither of these losses stand out; they are only visible upon close inspection. The print is trimmed to the image and there is some very minor wear on the edges. None of these issues undermines pleasing quality of this bold and impressive work.
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.

This unusually large and graphically dramatic work by Kepes was reproduced in Peter Pollack’s classic Picture History of Photography– in both the original 1963 edition, and the concise edition of 1977.  This image demonstrates Kepes’s characteristic fluidity in incorporating several photographic techniques to create a single unified composition.