Berenice Abbott

2 photographs, comprising ‘53 Gansevoort Street, #53’ and ‘Dey Street, Between West and Washington Streets,’ the second numbered ‘100’ in the negative, each with the photographer’s ’50 Commerce St.’ studio and Federal Art Project 'Changing New York' stamps and with title, date, and annotations in ink on the reverse, 1936

Bonnie Yochelson, ed., Berenice Abbott: Changing New York, The Museum of the City of New York, 1997, Lower West Side, pls. 11 and 25

'53 Gansevoort Street, #53' – This somewhat warm-toned early contact print is on lightly-textured, double-weight paper with a faint surface sheen. It is in generally very good condition. This print is numbered '100' in the negative. Upon very close examination a few tiny black deposits are visible, primarily in the upper portion of the sky-area. The black margins are rubbed, the corners are bumped or creased, and there are a few small losses of emulsion at the edges. The reverse of the print is appropriately age-darkened. It is annotated 'Manhattan / Neg 184 Code IA2 / 10/29/36.' 'Dey Street, Between West and Washington Streets' – This early contact print, on lightly-textured double-weight paper with a faint surface sheen, is in generally very good condition. Upon close examination, a stray deposit of graphite is visible near the upper left edge of the image. The black margins are rubbed, the corners are bumped, and there in minimal edge chipping. The reverse of the print is appropriated age-darkened, and annotated 'Manhattan / Neg# 100 Code# II.A.2.C. / 4/8/36.'
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.