Robert Frank

signed and dated '1956' in ink on the image, numerical notations in pencil and a circular label with annotations in ink on the reverse, framed, 1956, printed in the 1970s

Acquired from the photographer

Private Collection, New York

Sotheby's New York, 8 April 2008, Sale 8424, Lot 254

The Americans, no. 72

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank’s The Americans, pp. 297, 480, and 481, and Contact no. 72

Gotthard Schuh, 'Robert Frank,' Camera, August 1957, p. 356

Robert Frank, The Lines of My Hand (Lustrum), unpaginated

Robert Frank (Aperture), p. 43

Robert Frank, Robert Frank, pl. 41

Robert Frank, The Lines of My Hand (Parkett/Der Alltag), unpaginated

Robert Enright, ‘An Interview with Robert Frank: Frank Speaking,’ Border Crossings, November 1997, p. 27

Denise Miller, et al., Photography’s Multiple Roles: Art Document, Market, Science, p. 10

Cruel and Tender: The Real in the Twentieth Century Photograph (Tate Modern), p. 113

Robert Frank: Story Lines, frontispiece 5

Peter Galassi, Robert Frank: In America, p. 81 

Maurice Berger, 'Lens: Robert Frank, Telling It Like It Was,' The New York Times, 15 January 2015

This print, on heavy double-weight paper with a slight surface sheen, is in generally excellent condition. The margin corners are very slightly bumped. On the reverse of the print, there is a bright yellow circular sticker with the annotation 'P/K A-108' in ink. The following notations are in pencil: '51' '6-223' It is believed that only 5 or possibly 6 prints of this image have previously been offered at auction. When examined with ultraviolet light, this print appears to fluoresce.
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 picture of the black couple in The Americans, I said that’s my favorite picture.  It’s my favorite picture because, to me, it really expressed a lot of different things, but also, it expressed how it feels to be a photographer and suddenly be confronted with that look of ‘You bastard, what are you doing!’”  Robert Frank