BILL BRANDT | London (Nude)

dated 'July 1953' in ink, number '30' [circled] in pencil, the photographer's credit, copyright, and reproduction rights stamps, and with a Rapho Guillumette typed label on the reverse, framed, an Edwynn Houk Gallery label on the reverse, 1953, probably printed in the 1950s

Bill Brandt: Shadow of Light (New York, 1977), pl. 132

Bill Brandt: Nudes 1945-1980 (Boston, 1980), pl. 23

Brandt: The Photography of Bill Brandt, (New York, 1999), pl. 225

Sarah Hermanson Meister, Bill Brandt: Shadow & Light (New York: The Museum of Modern Art, 2013), p. 154

This photograph, on single-weight paper with a semi-glossy surface, is in generally very good condition. Extensive retouching and handwork are visible upon close examination. This print has very thin margins along the upper, left and right edges, and a wider margin along the lower edge. In high raking light, signs of handling, including small soft and sharp creases, are visible overall. These do not detract in any way from the fine appearance of this early print. The small crescent-shaped crease near the upper edge appears to break the emulsion and has been retouched. There is minor wear to the margin edges and the corners are rounded. The reverse of the print is lightly soiled and age-darkened at the edges. The photographer's dating 'July 1953' is in ink. 'CM 5' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil in the upper right corner. The typed label reads 'Submitted by: Rapho Guillumette' and the photographer's reproduction rights stamp reads: 'This photograph is the property of the photographer, and may not be sold as a collector's item. The monetary damages for loss, damage, or failure to return this print shall be no less than $1,500. Fees for reproduction must be negotiated.' When examined under ultraviolet light, this print appears to fluoresce faintly.
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.
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