ANSEL ADAMS | 'El Capitan, Yosemite, California'

mounted, signed in ink on the mount, the photographer's Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5 and 6), with title and date in ink, and a Polaroid Land stamp, with 'Type 55 P/N' in ink, on the reverse, circa 1960, probably printed between 1962 and 1963

Gift of the photographer to his daughter, Anne Adams Helms By descent to the present owner

This photograph is in generally excellent condition. When examined closely in high raking light, barely discernible hairline scratches, likely a result of the mounting process, are visible. There are a few deposits of extremely minor soiling on the mount. There is a 'Photograph by Ansel Adams/Kenneth N. Helms Collection' stamp, with number '361' in an unidentified hand in ink, on the reverse of the mount. '15' [circled] is also written in an unidentified hand in ink on the reverse of the mount. 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.
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.