credit, date, and annotations in pencil on the reverse, 1934, possibly printed in the 1940s or 1950s (Keller 205; American Photographs, Part One, pl. 1, variant)

The collection of Robert Schoelkopf, New York

To his widow, Jane Schoelkopf

This robust contact print, on heavy double-weight paper with a semi-glossy surface, is in generally excellent condition. It is a sharp print that delivers a great deal of crisp, exacting detail. Upon very close examination, 2 minuscule deposits, likely retouching, are visible near the lower-right edge of the image. The photograph is printed slightly off-center on a 10-by-8-inch sheet of photographic paper and has thick black margins. In the left margin, a tiny U-shaped raised area is visible in raking light - possibly a flaw in the paper. There is edge chipping and the corners are bumped. Small clamp impressions are in each of the margin corners, as is typical of Walker Evans's prints. On the reverse of the print, the following notations are in an unidentified hand in pencil: '53'; 'Chinatown Photoshop'; '1934'; 'Walker Evans'; and 'WE 38104.' As is frequently the case with photographs by Walker Evans, the printing date of this photograph is impossible to determine definitively. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print does not appear to fluoresce, indicating a lack of optical brighteners which were added to commercially prepared papers starting in the mid-1950s.
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.