Ansel Adams

mounted on Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, the photographer's Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5 and 6), with title and negative number in ink, and a Norton Center At Centre College label on the reverse, 1944, probably printed between 1962 and 1963 (400 Photographs, p. 245)

Sotheby's Los Angeles, 4 February 1981, Sale 296A, Lot 15

This 1960s print is in generally excellent condition. In raking light, the following are visible: original retouching and two glossy deposits of indeterminate nature in the left portion of the image; a tiny impression in the upper portion of the image; and faint silvering in the dark areas at the edges. Upon close examination, the upper left and lower right corners of the print are slightly bumped with resultant tiny losses of emulsion. The reverse of the mount is lightly soiled. BMFA stamp 6 includes the negative number '1-S-14' in ink. In addition to the Norton Center at Centre College label, there is a descriptive label with credit, title, and date. Also on the reverse, 'L93.65.2 Adams' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil. The window mat is hinged to the front of the mount along the upper edge. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. Our dating of this print is based upon the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse: 1962 to 1963.
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.