signed and numbered '40' (circled) in ink in the lower margin, a label titled in ink in the upper margin, annotated 'S. C.' and dated in pencil and with the photographer's copyright stamp, with credit and date in ink, and his 'Robert Frank Archive' stamp, with annotation 'Guggenheim Submission' and number '149' in pencil, on the reverse, 1955

Lunn Gallery/Graphics International Ltd., Washington, D. C., 1978

This early print, on double-weight paper with a slight surface sheen, is in generally very good condition. The photographer has titled the photograph in green ink on a small adhesive label in the upper left margin corner. He signed the print in dark blue ink in the lower right margin corner, and he has numbered the print '40' (circled) in green ink in the lower left margin corner. The margin edges are rubbed, and the corners are bumped and creased. When examined in high raking light, the following are visible: 8 pinpoint indentations and a soft crescent-shaped handling crease. Also in raking light, faint soiling is visible in the margins. On the reverse, there is faint age-darkening at the periphery and light soiling. When examined with ultraviolet light, this print appears to fluoresce very faintly.
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.

In the spring of 1955, Robert Frank was awarded a one-year Guggenheim Fellowship, and in May of that year, he began his travels across the States, an odyssey that would culminate in The Americans.  By the spring of 1956, he realized that he needed more time for his ‘broad, voluminous picture record,’ and he applied to renew his grant for another year.  

The label in the up🧸per margin of the photograph offered here, as well as the photograph 🥃in Lot 138, identify these prints as ones that Frank submitted for his Guggenheim renewal.  Based on the strength of the photographs that Frank sent to the Guggenheim board, the present prints among them, the fellowship was renewed for a second year.