mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, a Carmel studio stamp, with title and date in ink, on the reverse, circa 1937, printed in 1974 (400 Photographs, p. 123)

Acquired from the photographer, circa 1975

This photograph is in generally excellent condition. The dimensions of this print - 12-1/8 by 14-7/8 inches - present a slightly different format of this well-known image; it is far more common to find prints of this image in an approximately 15 by 19 inch format. Although Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career, the Carmel studio stamp on the reverse of the present mount is not included. The stamp, similar to BMFA 11, but with the zip code '93923,' is dated with both the negative and printing dates (in this case, 1944 and July 1974, respectively) in an unidentified hand in ink. Although the negative date on the reverse is '1944,' the actual negative date for this image has been determined to be circa 1937 (see p. 110 in Stillman's 'Looking at Ansel Adams: The Photographs and the Man,' 2012).
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.