ferrotyped, the photographer's '58, Hillfield Court, Belsize Avenue, London, N. W. 3.' studio and 'Photo Bill Brandt' stamps on the reverse, late 1940s or 1950s

Acquired from Edwynn Houk Gallery, Chicago, 1987

As is typical of Brandt's early photographs, this print is on single-weight paper. Like many of his early prints, it has a highly glossy ferrotyped surface. When the print is examined closely in raking light, extensive retouching is visible around the sitter's head. The heaviness of this retouching – done, perhaps, with black gouache – suggests that the print may have been used for reproduction. Some similar retouching has been done around the subject's armpit. When the print is examined closely in raking light, one can see the faint pitting and fine surface scratches typical of ferrotyped prints. None of these condition issues detracts in a measurable way from the power of this dramatic image. When this print is viewed under ultraviolet light, it does not appear to fluoresce.
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