Ansel Adams

mounted, signed and titled in pencil on the mount, signed and extensively inscribed in ink and a Carmel studio stamp, with title, and date in ink, on the reverse, 1941, printed in 1978 (400 Photographs, p. 175)

The photographer to Dr. James Rhyne Killian, Jr., 1979

By descent to the present owner

This print is in generally excellent condition. When examined under raking light, the following are visible: scattered deposits of original retouching; barely discernible hairline scratches; and minor soiling. The latter is mostly in the sky area. The reverse of the mount is lightly soiled and has faint rust-colored deposits, possibly foxing, overall. The extensive inscription in ink reads as follows: 'For Dr James R. Killian, Jr. In appreciation for his great accomplishments and his friendship Ansel Adams Carmel 8.8.79' Although 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, the Carmel studio stamp on the reverse of the present mount is not included. The stamp, similar to BMFA 11, but with the zip code '93923,' is dated with both the negative and printing dates (in this case, 1941 and July 1978, respectively) in an unidentified hand in ink.
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.

This photograph comes from the family of Dr. James R. Killian, Jr., who served as the tenth president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1948-1959).  After the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, President Eisenhower appointed Killian as the first Presidential science adviser. In the words of Eisenhower, Killian’s role was to help him ‘follow through on the program of scientific improvement of our defenses’ (as quoted in The New York Times, Obituaries, 31 January 1988). Killian was also instrumental in the establishment of NASA in 1958.