Ansel Adams

(San Francisco: self published, 1950, a total edition of 105), a portfolio of 15 photographs, each mounted, signed and numbered sequentially in pencil on the mount, the portfolio stamp, sequential numbers and edition '21' in red pencil, on the reverse, framed, 1942-49, printed in 1950; together with the letterpress title, poem by Walt Whitman, plate list, and colophon, with edition '21' in red pencil.  Folio, silver-stamped black and white cloth portfolio with flaps and ties

Collection of Kenneth K. Bechtel 

Christie's New York, 18 April 2002, Sale 1039, Lot 152

These photographs are in generally excellent condition. The mounts are faintly darkened at the edges; a few have a rust-colored spot, possibly fox-marks. The plates, with specific condition notes, are as follows: 1. Noon clouds, Glacier National Park, Montana, 1942 - Upon close examination in high raking light, a few pinpoint-sized impressions are visible that do not appear to break the emulsion. 2. Forest, early morning, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, 1949 - When examined in raking light, there is a small slightly raised area along the upper edge, which likely occurred prior to or as a result of the mounting process. 3. Dunes, hazy sun, White Sands National Monument, Mexico, 1941 - When examined in raking light, there is a small slightly raised area along the upper edge, which likely occurred prior to or as a result of the mounting process. 4. White House Ruin, morning, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, 1949 5. From Hurricane Hill, Olympic National Park, Washington, 1948 - There is a rust-colored pinpoint-sized impression at the upper left corner. 6. Moth and stump, Interglacial Forest, Glacier Bay National Monument, Alaska, 1949 7. Sentinel Rock, Winter dusk, Yosemite National Park California, 1944 8. Afternoon sun, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, 1943 - In high raking light, a pinpoint-sized impression is visible at the lower left quadrant. 9. In Joshua Tree National Monument, California, 1942 10. Rain, Beartrack Cove, Glacier Bay National Monument, Alaska, 1949 11. Dead tree, Sunset Crater National Monument, Arizona, 1947 12. Zabriskie Point, late evening, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 1942 - A few tiny deposits of original retouching are visible in the lower portion of the image. 13. Old Faithful Geyser, late evening, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 1942 14. The Atlantic, Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park, Maine, 1949 15. Dawn, Autumn forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, 1948 - There is a small crease near the lower edge that is only visible upon very close examination. The portfolio case is in generally good condition. The laminated white cloth is yellowed and soiled. The spine and folds along the flaps appear somewhat fragile and are cracked in parts. On the lower flap is a small printed label: '6004 133.' The front matter is age-darkened.
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.