Robert Frank

signed, titled, and dated '1955' 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

Jan Kesner Gallery, Los Angeles, 1997

The Americans, no. 73

Sarah Greenough, Looking In: Robert Frank’s The Americans, pp. 298, 480, and 481, and Contact no. 73

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

LIFE Library of Photography: Documentary Photography, p. 172

Robert Frank: Story Lines, frontispiece 3

This print, on double-weight paper with a semi-glossy surface, is in generally excellent condition. It is printed full-frame, and the negative's sprocket holes can be seen at the bottom of the image. The margin corners are slightly bumped. Upon close examination, there is a small deposit, possibly retouching, in the tree. A series of very faint creases of the upper right corner in the margin are visible under raking light. These creases are subtle and do not affect the image. On the reverse, there is a small area of yellow discoloration at the bottom left corner and at the bottom right. The following is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse: 'NYUAC #1993.6.12,' '7-180,' '235' (crossed out), and '46.' This photograph has undergone conservation, and a treatment report is available upon request from the department. It is believed that only 6 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.

One theme that weaves through The Americans is the racial divide in 1950s America.  Frank portrayed racism in purely visual terms, without relying upon the inclusion of obvious indicators, such as ‘Whites Only’ signs, as many of his contemporaries did.  In New Orleans (Trolley) (Lot 10), racial divisions are rendered quite dramatically.  In Detroit, Belle Isle, the divisions are more subtle, but just as present.  The white family occupies the center foreground, thoroughly isolated from the African-American child and soldier.  The stark vertical line of the tree trunk forms an impenetrable barrier separating the soldier from the others. The little girl is positioned to the side and behind the family. The crisscrossed straps on her swimsuit form an ‘x’ on her back as if to negate her existence.