HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON | Srinagar, Kashmir, India

mounted to Crescent illustration board, 1948, printed in the early 1960s; accompanied by a facsimile Certificate of Authenticity from the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson (2) (The Modern Century, p. 120)

Private collection, Ohio, early 1960s, ordered from Magnum Photos Woodman Gallery, Morristown, NJ, 1981

This richly-detailed photograph, with a nuanced range of tones, is in generally excellent condition. There is minor edge wear and chipping. Upon close inspection in raking light, the following are visible: a one-1/4-inch crease that does not appear to break the emulsion in the lower left quadrant, parallel to the left edge; scattered very thin scratches which do not appear to break the emulsion, some of which are possibly a result of the mounting process; scattered deposits of original retouching; and a pen-point-sized impression in the lower right quadrant. Excess dry-mounting tissue is visible on the mount along the left edge of the print. There are stray red and graphite marks visible on the mount. The corners are gently bumped.
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.

One year after founding Magnum, Henri Cartier-Bresson traveled to India, capturing this photograph of women in prayer at Hari Parbal Hill in the early morning hours. He travelled to the Far East on several occasions from 1948 to 1950, and again in 1966. The photograph offered here was first acquired in the early 1960s directly from Magnum.