Berenice Abbott

gelatin silver print, numbered 156 in the negative, the photographer’s Federal Art Project Changing New York and caption stamps, with title, date, and annotations in pencil, on the reverse, 1936

This faintly warm-toned early contact print is on smooth double-weight paper with a surface sheen. It is in generally excellent condition. The upper-sky area is slightly darker near the edge of the image. A tiny adhesion of indeterminate nature is visible upon very close examination to the left of the building. As is characteristically seen in Abbott's 'Changing New York' prints from the period, there are small clamp impressions in the black margins from processing. There is minuscule edge wear and the corners are bumped. The reverse of the print is appropriately age-darkened at the edges. The 'Changing New York' caption stamp on the reverse is annotated in pencil with the following information: Title: 'N. Y. Telephone Building' Place: '140 West Street, Manhattan' Date: 'Aug 12, 1936' Neg. #: '156' Code: 'IA3'
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.