IRVING PENN | 'Collapse'

platinum-palladium print, flush-mounted to aluminum, signed, titled, dated, editioned '1/23,' and annotated in pencil and stamped on the reverse, framed, 1980, printed in 1981 (Still Life, unpaginated)

Christie's New York, 29 September 2014, Sale 2877, Lot 122

This photograph is in generally good condition. Upon very close examination, tiny rust-colored spots, likely foxing, are visible in the highlights and in the margins. The margins are darkened at the periphery of the image where the photograph was covered by the mat while framed. There is some faint soiling and fingerprints in the margins. There is an uneven band of rust-colored discoloration at the lower edge of the margin and on the reverse, the widest part of which measures 2-inches on the reverse. There are a few gray stains near the edges on the reverse. There is a barcode label and 2 hinge remnants on the reverse. The copyright stamp on the reverse is dated '1981' in pencil. Other stamps read as follows: 'In addition to ['23' in pencil] numbered prints of this image in platinum metals, a number of unsigned silver prints for reproduction in publications may exist' and 'Hand-coated by the photographer.' The following notations are written on the reverse of the print in pencil: 'AR 1534'; 'Print made December 1981'; and 'Platinum-palladium Strathmore paper on aluminum.'
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.