with another Stieglitz photograph, The Dying Chestnut Tree, mounted on the reverse, 1934 (Greenough 1192 and 1550, each the full negative)

Gift of Carl Zigrosser, 1975

As is sometimes seen with Stieglitz's prints from this period, Two Poplars is mounted back-to-back with another photograph. Two Poplars - This is a striking, detail-filled print of this image. Upon close examination, this photograph appears to be turning a bit from neutral to warm in the lower left quadrant. Upon very close examination in the upper left quadrant, there is a pen-point-sized deposit of indeterminate nature, possibly retouching. Visible in high raking light is a 1/4-inch irregularly shaped scratch that does not appear to break the emulsion in the lower portion of the image. Aside from the print offered here, Sarah Greenough locates 9 other prints of this image in institutional and private collections. The Dying Chestnut Tree - This photograph is warm-toned. Silvering is visible in the dark areas of the tree. Illegible pencil notations, possibly 'Zigrosser,' are visible upon close examination in the right portion of the image. '75263' is written in an unidentified hand in the margin. Aside from the print offered here, Sarah Greenough locates only three other prints of this image in institutional collections: in the key set at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C.; the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; and the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles.
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.

This photograph comes originally from the personal collection of Carl Zigrosser, an early director of New York’s Weyhe Gallery, and later curator of prints, drawings, and rare books at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. During his long tenure at the Museum, from 1941 to 1963, the number of works on paper in the collection grew to more than 100,000, including photographs by Alfred Stieglitz given to the Museum by Georgia O’Keeffe in 1949.