Irving Penn

platinum-palladium print, flush-mounted to aluminum, signed, dated, editioned '11/35,' and annotated in pencil, stamped, and with a Condé Nast copyright label on the reverse, framed, 1949, printed in 1973 (Moments Preserved, p. 25)

Sotheby's New York, 17 April 2002, Sale 7777, Lot 222

This platinum-palladium print is in generally excellent condition. There are some scattered stray black and pale gray deposits in the margin. Along the margin edges and on the reverse of the mount are thin abrasions, which do not affect the image in any way. On the reverse are some white tape remnants along three of the four edges with attendant age-darkened adhesive remains. There are also a few small brown deposits of indeterminate nature. The annotations in pencil on the reverse are as follows: '1272' (circled); 'Wiggins-Teape Paper on Aluminium'; 'multiple coating and printing'; '(1) platinum (2) platinum-palladium'; 'print made July 1973'; and '11/35.' The edition stamp indicates that in addition to the 35 numbered prints in platinum, there may also exist no more than 15 unnumbered, but signed, gelatin silver prints of this image. Two other printing information stamps read 'Hand-coated by the photographer' and 'Deacidified.' A fourth stamp which mentions the existence of gelatin silver prints of this image has been crossed out in pencil. The Condé Nast copyright stamp is dated '1949.'
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.