14 (of 15) photographs from Portfolio Four (San Francisco: Sierra Club, 1963, an edition of 260), each mounted, signed in ink on the mount, the printed portfolio label, number '70' in red ink, and a 'Photography Collection of the Polaroid Corporation' label, with typed credit, title, and accession information, on the reverse, in individual letterpress wrappers, 1943-63, printed in 1963; together with duplicate letterpress title/colophon/plate list and introduction by Adams, each with the number '70' in red ink. Folio, gilt-lettered gray linen portfolio with flaps and ties, each no. 70 in an edition of 260 (14)

Acquired from the artist in December 1963 for the Library Collection

The photographs are in generally excellent condition except where noted. 'Dunes, Oceano, California' is not included. On the reverse of some of the mounts are small abrasions to the top paper ply and the Polaroid Collection label. The plates included are as follows: 'Teklanika River, Mount McKinley National Park, Alaska' - There is a small black dot on the upper portion of the mount. 'Sequoia Roots, Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park, California' - In raking light, the following are visible: soft impressions and scuffs not breaking the emulsion; and tiny matte deposits of indeterminate nature. 'Leaf, Glacier Bay National Monument, Alaska' - In raking light, soft impressions and scuffs not breaking the emulsion are visible in the upper portion of the image. 'Cathedral Peak and Lake, Yosemite National Park, California' - In the upper left sky area, small deposits of retouching are visible. 'Vernal Falls, Yosemite Valley, California' - In raking light, very small soft scuffs are visible. 'Clearing Storm, Sonoma County Hills, California' - In the sky area, a few tiny matte adhesions are visible. 'Oak Tree, Sunset City, Sierra Foothills, California' - There are tiny adhesions in the central tree area. The reverse of the mount is hinged to a mat with 3 pieces of cloth tape. 'Castle Rock, Summit Road Above Saratoga, California' 'Northern California Coast, Redwoods' 'Orchard, Early Spring, Near Stanford University, California' 'Siesta Lake, Yosemite National Park, California' - In the central area, there is a barely discernable scratch that appears to break the emulsion. 'Storm Surf, Timber Cove, California' 'Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, California' 'Sierra Nevada, Winter Evening from the Owens Valley, California' - In raking light, small linear impressions not breaking the emulsion are visible in the central sky and water areas. The title/plate list/colophon and wrappers are in generally very good condition. The folio is in generally very good condition. Stray green and black marks are visible on its cover. 'Ansel Adams Portfolio 4' is written in white ink along its spine.
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.