Vera Lutter

unique, mural-sized, mounted to canvas, 1995

Marlborough Gallery, New York, circa 1997

This impressive, unique print, on matte surface paper and mounted to canvas, is in generally excellent condition. At the periphery of the print, the following are visible: a few tiny areas of peeling or chipped emulsion; and some small, sharp creases extending from the edges that appear to break the emulsion and likely occurred during or as a result of mounting. Upon very close examination under raking light, an isolated area of faint scuffs is visible in the upper portion of the sky area. Also only visible in raking light are a few faint scratches, adhesions, and soft creases across the surface of the print.
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.

The present, mural-sized photograph is a seminal work from Vera Lutter’s longtime exploration of urban and industrial landscapes. In the early 1990s, Lutter began experimenting with the camera obscura. Using this ancient optical device to create her impressive large-scale photographs in a darkened room and using a simple pinhole, the cityscape outside is exposed directly onto large sheets of photographic paper. Lutter’s exposures could take several hours, days, or even weeks. The resulting unique prints have a remarkable luminosity and show tremendous detail, with a monumental scale that is proportional to the buildings she depicts.

The photograph offered here, unglazed and mounted to canvas, is characteristic of Lutter’s early presentation. Her use of lush, matte paper and choice to leave her photographs unprotected is an invitation to the viewer to ‘walk into’ the life-size photograph.

Lutter’s photographs, whether of New York or elsewhere, often contrast stark architecture with natural landscapes. In the present image, Central Park acts as an oasis within the bustling city. Lutter’s juxtapositions hint at the complex ecosystem of the city and humanity’s mark on the landscape.