Robert Frank

titled and dated '1956' and signed and dated '1962' in ink in the margin, credit and numerical notations in pencil on the reverse, framed, 1956, printed in the 1960s

Pace/MacGill Gallery, New York, 2014

The Americans, no. 81

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans, pp. 308, 462, and 482, and Contact no. 81

Aaron Siskind and Jonathan Logan, eds., 'Photographs by Robert Frank,' Choice: A Magazine of Poetry and Photography, 1962, p. 111

Gotthard Schuh, 'Robert Frank,' Camera, August 1957, pp. 344-45 

'A Pageant Portfolio: One Man's U. S. A.,' Pageant, April 1958, p. 31

Robert Frank: Story Lines, p. 207

This early print shows the full negative, with the dark negative edges visible along all sides of the image. It is on double-weight paper with a semi-glossy surface, and is in generally very good condition. Occasional, expertly-applied deposits of retouching are visible in raking light. Also visible throughout the image upon close examination in raking light are a few scratches, faint impressions, and small creases, some of which may break the emulsion. There is a horizontal, sharp, one-inch crease near the upper edge of the image, which does appear to break the emulsion. None of the above are immediately apparent and do not detract in any way from the fine appearance of this early print. The margin edges and corners are worn, with occasional chipping. There are several sharp creases in the margins, the largest of which measures 3-inches and is in the upper left margin corner. There is minor soiling from handling on the reverse of the print. The following is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse: 'Robt Frank'; '8104-I' (in duplicate); 'RF-780-119-7'; and 'RF. A. Z. 0815.' This photograph has undergone conservation, and a treatment report is available upon request from the department. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print appears to fluoresce faintly. It is believed that 3, possibly 4, prints of this image have previously appeared at auction.
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.
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