Paul Strand

the photographer's printing notations on the reverse, flush-mounted, credited, titled, and initialed by Anne Kennedy in pencil and a Light Gallery stamp, with number '76.030,' on the reverse, 1950, probably printed in the late 1950s or early 1960s

Light Gallery, New York, 1978

Paul Strand: A Retrospective Monograph, The Years 1915-1968 (Aperture, 1971), p. 171

This photograph, on paper with a slight gloss and eggshell texture, is essentially in excellent condition. There is a broad range of tonality from rich blacks to crisp, true whites. Upon very close examination, a few tiny deposits of original retouching are visible. The print has very thin white margins. As is frequently seen with Paul Strand's photographs, this print has the photographer's extensive printing notations written on the reverse. Because the print is flush-mounted to thick paper, these are only partially visible. The following notations can be made out at various places on the reverse: 'Amidol + Water'; 'F16-53'; and '[ ] blowup.' On the reverse of the mount, the numbers '#319' and '10' (circled) are written in an unidentified hand in pencil. There are also two small abrasions to the upper paper-ply, not affecting the print. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print appears to fluoresce faintly. This photograph is accompanied by a facsimile copy of a letter signed by Strand and Kennedy.
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.

According to Strand authority Anthony Montoya, it is believed that the photograph offered here is one of only 3 extant prints of the image, all made in the late 1950s or early 1960s.  The other prints reside in the Paul Strand Archive, Millerton, and in the Paul Strand Retrospective Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, given by the photographer’s estate in 1980.