Ansel Adams

mounted to Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, overmatted, the photographer's Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5 and 6), titled in ink, on the reverse, circa 1962, probably printed between 1962 and 1963 (400 Photographs, p. 401 and back cover, horizontal variant)

Acquired by the present owner, circa 1969

Boston, Institute of Contemporary Art, A Memorial Exhibition: Selections from the Nathaniel Saltonstall Collection, November-December 1969

This early 1960s print is in generally very good condition. When examined in raking light, the following are visible: scattered deposits of original retouching; a faint, approximately 3-and-1/2-inch linear impression in the upper left quadrant; and faint silvering around the perimeter. There is some minor wear and chipping to the edges and the corners. The reverse of the mount is faintly soiled, and there are scattered surface abrasions overall. 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. While '400 Photographs' titles this image 'Evening Clouds and Pool, East Side of the Sierra Nevada, from the Owens Valley, California' this print is titled 'Sierra Nevada, Winter, Evening Cloud' in ink on the reverse.
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.