Peter Beard

a unique oversized object, Polaroid Polacolor print, signed and annotated in black ink, dated in white ink, illustrated extensively with paint, colored inks, and blood, and with two collaged feathers on the image and in the margin, framed, a The Time is Always Now, New York, label on the reverse, 1997

This Polaroid print is in generally very good condition. The colors are somewhat muted. As with other large collages by the photographer, there are several small creases and tears, and a uneven surface that likely occurred during creation of this object. The paint and blood are crackling and peeling slightly in several areas. The margins are trimmed unevenly and curling slightly. There is a one-inch tear at the lower left margin edge, and the lower right and left margin corners have small areas of broken and curling emulsion. The image and margins are extensively annotated in white and black inks: 'Last day / Carnets Africains,' 'Giant Polaroid day / Jan 20th 1997 CNP Paris / Fndn. Rothschild / Rue Balzac,' 'Francis Bacon 1973 London homage to Eadweard Muyerbridge (sic),' '80 Narrow Str. – soon to be gambled away one night,' 'the site of Marlowe's tale: Heart of Darkness doing interviews around the dead (illegible) for a book idea 'NOR DREAD NOR HOPE ATTEND...'. The print is signed in black ink: 'Kind Regards, Peter Beard' in the upper right quadrant. On the reverse of the frame, there is a paper remnant stamped: '© Peter H. Beard / The Time is Always Now 1997 / 476 Broome St. NYC, NY 100013 (212) 343-2211' and a 'The Time is Always Now' label.
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.