Ansel Adams

mounted to Crescent illustration board, signed and inscribed 'For the Old Nick!' in ink on the mount, the photographer's Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5 and 6), with title and negative number in ink, on the reverse, framed, 1944, probably printed between 1962 and 1963 (400 Photographs, back cover and p. 261)

The Royal and Sun Alliance Collection

Christie's New York, 14 February 2006, Sale 1625, Lot 28

This early 1960s print is in generally very good to excellent condition. There is a 1/4-inch linear scratch in the upper right quadrant which appears to break the emulsion. In raking light, the following are visible: an uneven surface plane, likely due to mounting; a few small raised areas, possibly air or tiny particles caught between the mount and the print; scattered deposits, possibly original retouching or foxing; a few surface scratches which do not appear to break the emulsion; and a small impression near the lower edge, at the center, which does not appear to break the emulsion. There is minor, intermittent edge-chipping, primarily along the right and lower-right edges. None of the above detracts from the overall fine appearance of this print. The mount is sunned around the periphery of the print. There is a circular, yellow stain near the lower left corner, a one-and-1/2-inch linear impression on the right side, and some faint soiling overall. On the reverse, there are 2 adhesive remains at the upper edge where the mount was previously affixed to a mat. The Carmel studio stamp is annotated with the title and the negative number '1-CAL-129.' 'Collection of Lee A. Kitzenberg 1847 Sargent Ave. St. Paul, Minn 55105' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. Our dating of this print is based upon the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse: 1962 to 1963.
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.