Ansel Adams
'Parmelian Prints of The High Sierras'
Estimate:
50,000
Ansel Adams
1902 - 1984
'Parmelian Prints of The High Sierras'
(San Francisco: Jean Chambers Moore, 1927, an edition of 150), a portfolio of 18 gelatin silver prints, each signed 'A. E. Adams' or 'Ansel E. Adams' in pencil and with the letterpress title in the margin, in individual letterpress title wrappers, 9 framed, 1920s, printed in 1927; together with the letterpress title, colophon, dedication to Albert M. Bender, and plate list. Small folio, modern gilt-lettered black cloth portfolio with gold silk lining, one of a projected edition of 150 of which approximately 75 sets were completed
images: each approximately 8 by 6 in. (20 by 15.2 cm.) or the reverse
frames: each 19 by 23 in. (48.3 by 58.4 cm.) or the reverse
These Parmelian prints are in generally excellent condition. Given the onion-skin-like texture of the paper on which Adams printed these works, some sheets are slightly bowed or gently rippled at the margin edges.
Specific notes are as follows:
Sierra Junipers: Unframed.
The Abode of Snow: Unframed.
Monolith, The Face of Half Dome: There is a tiny deposit of original retouching in the upper right quadrant. Framed.
From Glacier Point: Framed.
On the Heights: There is a deposit of original retouching at the center right. There is a crease in the lower right margin. Framed.
A Grove of Tamarack Pine: There is a deposit of original retouching at the center right. Framed.
Mount Galen Clark: There is a very faint fox mark in the lower left corner. Framed.
Mount Clarence King. Unframed.
Roaring River Falls: The margin is somewhat darker where it has been covered by a window mat. Framed.
Marion Lake: There are 2 pinpoint-sized areas of discoloration in the margin. Unframed.
El Capitan: Framed.
Banner Peak - Thousand Island Lake: Framed
Mount Brewer: The edge of the paper is slightly sunned. There is a 1/4-inch linear smudge near the upper right margin edge. On the reverse, there is a small smudge. Unframed.
Kearsarge Pinnacles: Faint silvering is visible in raking light. Framed.
The Sentinel: Unframed.
Lower Paradise Valley: Unframed.
East Vidette: There is very faint silvering at the lower left corner. Unframed.
Cloud and Mountain: There are 3 small areas of original retouching at the right side of the image. Unframed.
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.
Salem, Peabody Essex Museum, Ansel Adams: At the Water’s Edge, June – October 2012
Greenwich, The Royal Museums Greenwich, Photography From the Mountains to the Sea, November 2012 – April 2013, and traveling thereafter to:
Sydney, Australian National Maritime Museum, July – December 2013
Lubbock, Texas Tech University, Ansel Adams: American Master, Selections from the David H. Arrington Collection, August 2015 – January 2016
BANNER PEAK and MONOLITH:
Lubbock, Texas Tech University, Ansel Adams: American Master, Selections from the David H. Arrington Collection, August 2015 – January 2016