JOSEPH PHILIBERT GIRAULT DE PRANGEY | Lions au bas de l'escalier menant à la Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome, 1842

quarter-plate daguerreotype

This daguerreotype exhibits a wide range of tones and is highly detailed. Firsthand examination reveals a sharper image than is apparent in the printed or online catalogue. As is visible in the catalogue, there is a narrow band of uneven warm-toned tarnish along the upper edge, rubbing along right and left edges, and a green accretion of indeterminate nature in lower portion of the image. There are some tiny translucent and dark spots in the sky area and in the central portion of the image. Upon close examination, the lower right corner appears to be softly bent. When examining the plate at a variety of angles in raking light, occasional scuffs and fine surface scratches of varying lengths are visible overall. The plate has been matted and sealed between glass.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."