flush-mounted, signed, titled, and dated by the photographer in ink and numbered in unidentified hands in pencil on the reverse, matted, 1950 (La France de Profil, p. 47)

Gift of the photographer or his wife t๊o Michael E. Hoffman

To Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York, 2002

A♉cquired by the present owner from the above, 2005

This striking, early, flush-mounted contact print, on matte-surface Kodak Illustrator's Special paper, is in generally excellent condition. As is typical of Strand's work of the period, the surface sheen is the result of a coating, possibly wax or varnish, that Strand used to enhance the details of the image. There is barely noticeable, minute chipping at the upper and right edges. The corners are lightly bumped. When examined in raking light, there are several small deposits of original retouching scattered over the surface of the print, primarily in the upper central portion. Also visible in raking light is a shiny area of the coating at the lower right where the print was not wiped when the coating was originally applied. On the reverse of the print, there is a 3/8-inch strip of adhesive remains around the periphery, as well as 1/2- by 5/8-inch paper tape remnants at the top, from a prior hinging. This print is numbered 'PF 47143 (MEH 117)' and 'MEH 117' in unidentified hands in pencil on the reverse. When examined with a black light, this print does not appear to fluoresce.
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.