Edward Steichen

warm-toned, signed in blue ink and with date in pencil on the image, mounted to thin board, mounted again to Capitol Illustration board, framed, circa 1921, printed no later than 1964; accompanied by an autograph note, signed by the photographer in ink, to Kathleen Haven (Life in Photography, pl. 64; MoMA, p. 35) (2)

Gift of the photographer to Kathleen Haven on occasion of her wedding, 1964

Sotheby's New York, 7 April 1998, Sale 7112, Lot 73

This lovely, large print, on matte-surface paper with a slight sheen and texture, has a rich array of tones and colors. It is in generally very good condition. In high raking light, various small creases are visible, which likely occurred prior to or as a result of the dry-mounting process. Visible upon close examination in the lower right quadrant are two very small deposits of original retouching that appear to have turned a green-bluish hue with age. The edges are worn with attendant tiny loss of emulsion. A thin layer of extra dry-mounting tissue is visible at the periphery of the print on the mount. There is some soiling on the mount, and image dimensions are written in an unidentified hand in pencil. The secondary mount is lightly darkened at the edges. On the reverse of the mount, there are 4 pieces of masking tape along the edges, as well as 3 minor abrasions to the top paper-ply.
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 originally from the collection of Kathleen Haven, a designer at The Museum of Modern Art.  Haven also designed Steichen's autobiography, A Life in Photography, and is thanked in the acknowledgements.  The note accompanying this photograph is dated October 1964 and reads,

'Dear Kathleen, As you begin this great journey I send you all good wishes, that it go on and on into a ripe old age, bringing you both the unifying riches life has to offer.  With love devotedly Edward Steichen.'