ferrotyped, credit in ink, Look and Modern Photography magazine stamps, and with reduction notations in pencil and crayon on the reverse, 1947

Cf. Look, October 1947, for variants of this image in Kubrick's photo story entitled A Tale of a Shoe-Shine Boy; other images from this story are reproduced in Stanley Kubrick: Drama & Shadows: Photographs 1945 - 1950 on pages 57 through 69.

This ferrotyped early print, on medium-weight paper, is in generally very good condition. The edges are rubbed, and the corners are bumped and creased. When examined in raking light, the print exhibits characteristics typical of ferrotyped prints, particularly some unevenness of gloss in the surface. There is a tiny v-shaped accretion of indeterminate nature in the lower left quadrant. Also visible in raking light are several small handling creases and indentations overall that do not appear to break the emulsion.
"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."

In 1945 at age 16, future film director Stanley Kubrick got his first break when he sold Look magazine a photograph of a news vendor taken the day after F. D. R.'s death.  Until 1950, Kubrick worked as a $50-a-week photojournalist for the magazine.  In October 1947, he made the photograph offered here for a story about 12-year-old Brooklyn shoeshine boy, Mickey, who works tirelessly after school to help support his ten younger brothers and sisters. Other images from this series can be found in Stanley Kubrick: Drama & Shadows: Photographs 1945 - 1950 on pages 57 through 69.