Robert Frank

signed, titled, and dated '1956' in ink in the margin, the archive stamp, with title, 'Americans 3,' and '18' in pencil, on the reverse, framed, a Bloom Collection label on the reverse, 1956, printed in the 1970s

Sotheby's New York, 3 October 2001, Sale 7702, Lot 261

The Americans, no. 3

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank’s The Americans, pp. viii, 213, and 461, and Contact no. 3

'A Pageant Portfolio: One Man's U. S. A.,' Pageant, April 1958, p. 26

Robert Frank (Aperture), p. 31

Sarah Greenough and Philip Brookman, Robert Frank: Moving Out, p. 177

Robert Frank: Story Lines, frontispiece 3 and p. 108

Peter Galassi, Robert Frank: In America, p. 122

This somewhat warm-toned photograph, on double-weight paper with a surface sheen, is in generally very good condition. A sharp, 1/2-inch, crescent-shaped handing crease in the lower left quadrant is visible only in raking light. Age-darkening and warm-toned discoloration are pervasive throughout the margins. Frank's signature, title, and date have faded somewhat. There are creases in the lower right corner of the margin. The tips of the margin corners are bumped, with the top paper-ply folded back. On the reverse of the print, '22' and 'RF.140.x [or y]' are written in an unidentified hand in pencil. It is believed that only 4 prints of this image, including the present print, 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.