Robert Frank

titled and dated '1955' and signed and dated '1975' in ink in the margin, numerical notations in pencil on the reverse, framed, a Bloom Collection label on the reverse, 1955, printed in the 1970s

Sotheby's New York, 17 April 2002, Sale 7777, Lot 197

The Americans, no. 47

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans, pp. 266 and 473, and Contact no. 47

Robert Frank (Aperture), p. 69

Sarah Greenough and Philip Brookman, Robert Frank: Moving Out, p. 200

Jean Dykstra, 'Poetry of the Moment,' Art & Antiques, November 2009, p. 74

Peter Galassi, Robert Frank: In America, p. 31

This photograph, on double-weight paper with a surface sheen, is in generally very good to excellent condition. Only visible upon close examination in high raking light is a one-inch crescent-shaped handing crease in the lower left corner, which does not appear to break the emulsion. A very small tear along the lower margin edge has been expertly reinforced on the reverse. Along the upper edge on the reverse are 2 thin paper tape hinge remnants, with attendant minor abrasions and adhesive remains. There is very minor soiling on the reverse. The following are written in an unidentified hand in pencil: '600'; 'L1990.151.65,' and 'RP0109.' When examined under ultraviolet light, this photograph appears to fluoresce faintly. It is believed that only 7 other prints of this image have previously been offered 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.
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 man shown in this photograph is George H. West, a figure well-known in Baton Rouge as the ‘River Preacher,’ although he preferred to be called ‘Messiah of Jesus.’  West began preaching along the Mississippi River in 1941.  He often conducted baptismal rites near the Port Allen-Baton Rouge ferry landing until 1968, when the ferry stopped its regular service.

Photographer Garry Winogrand credits this photograph with teaching him how to use the tilt of the photographic frame as an aesthetic device.  

 

"After seeing these pictures you end up not knowing any more whether a jukebox is sadder than a coffin. That’s because he’s always taking pictures of jukeboxes and coffins—and intermediary mysteries like the Negro priest squatting underneath the bright liquid belly mer of the Mississippi at Baton Rouge for some reason at dusk or early dawn with a white snowy cross and secret incantations never known outside the bayou"  Jack Kerouac