Robert Frank

signed in ink in the margin, numerical notations in pencil on the reverse, framed, Bloom Collection and Pace Wildenstein MacGill labels on the reverse, 1955, printed in the 1970s

Pace/MacGill Gallery, New York, 1997

The Americans, no. 22

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans, pp. 236 and 467, and Contact no. 22

Willy Rotzler, ‘Der Photograph Robert Frank,’ Du, January 1962, p. 19

Janet Malcolm, Diana & Nikon: Essays on the Aesthetic of Photography, pl. 78

Jonathan Green, American Photography: A Critical History, 1945 to the Present, p. 90

Peter Galassi, Robert Frank: In America, p. 133

This photograph, with its impressive and rich range of tones, delivers a great deal of detail throughout the image, from the wood grain of the walls and floor to the patterns of the tablecloth. It is is on semi-glossy double-weight paper, and is in generally very good to excellent condition. As is visible in the catalogue illustration, there is a small, white, fibrous adhesion in the lower right corner of the image. There are isolated areas of soiling in the margin, primarily in the upper margin corners. There is a 4-inch sharp crease in the lower right margin corner, which is near Frank's signature but which does not affect the image. The tips of the margin corners are bumped. Along the upper edge on the reverse of the print are 3 small hinge remnants. 'RF. A. 022.6' and '2206-I' are written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse. A third notation - likely '2206-I' - is partially obscured by an abrasion. It is believed that only 9 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.