László Moholy-Nagy

the photographer’s ‘foto moholy-nagy’ stamp, annotated ‘gramm’ in pencil, on the reverse, circa 1926

The photographer to Esfir Shub

By descent to Shub’s son

Gary Tatinsian Gallery, New York

Acquired by the present owner from the above

Herbert Molderings, Floris M. Neusüss, and Renate Heyne, Moholy-Nagy: The Photograms: Catalogue Raisonné (Ostfildern, 2009), fgm 114

László Moholy-Nagy, 60 Fotos (Berlin, 1930), pl. 27

Andreas Haus, Moholy-Nagy: Photographs and Photograms (New York, 1980), pl. 144

Eleanor M. Hight, Moholy-Nagy: Photography and Film in Weimar Germany (Wellesley, 1985), pl. 18

Leland D. Rice and David W. Steadman, Photographs of Moholy-Nagy from the Collection of William Larson (Claremont College, 1975), p. 43

This photograph is on double-weight paper with a glossy surface. The print quality is quite good and preserves the nuance and detail of the original photogram. Because this print is not trimmed, it shows the entirety of the original photogram. When viewed in raking light, several handling creases can be seen in the print's surface. There is wear and consequent chipping of the emulsion on the edges of the print. Moholy's stamp is bold and appears here characteristically in purple ink. Moholy's penciled 'gramm' annotation is robust. The dimensions of the sheet of photographic paper are 7 7/16 by 5 3/8 in. (19 by 13.5 cm.).
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.

The original photogram upon which this photograph is based was sold in these rooms in 2005 (Photograms by László Moholy-Nagy from the Collection of Eugene and Dorothy Prakapas, 27 April 2005, Lot 82) and is now in a private collection.  Moholy authority Renate Heyne locates three other photographs made from the original photogram.