flush-mounted, mounted again to larger card, in the original white metal An American Place frame, a label annotated '"An American Place" / 509 Madison Avenue / New York — N. Y. / I. Equivalent 227 (1933) / by Alfred Stieglitz / only 2 prints of / this exist' in ink on the reverse, likely 1927 (Greenough 1227)

Estate of Arthur Dove Christie’s New York, 23 April 1990, Sale 7054, Lot 18

Acquired from Pace/MacGill Gallery, New York

As is typical of Stieglitz's photographs from this period, the present print is trimmed to the image, flush-mounted to thin card and mounted again to a larger sheet of similar board or card. The whole is enclosed in the original white metal An American Place frame, complete with its metal tabs, thin wooden spacers and the hanging hardware. So as not to disrupt its original presentation, this photograph was not examined out of its frame. This early print is highly-detailed and appropriately warm in the highlights. When examined closely through the frame's glass in high raking light, the following are visible: tiny deposits of the photographer's original retouching; and faint silvering. There is very minor wear to the extreme edges of the print. The larger, secondary mount is ever-so-faintly yellowed at the periphery of the photograph. The white metal American Place frame, with its metal tabs, thin wooden spacers, and hanging hardware is in generally very good condition. There are a few small nicks to the frame's edges. There is darkening from an old adhesive along the edges on the reverse of the frame. 'FH869-2' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse of the frame.
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 her entry for this Equivalent, Sarah Greenough notes that while this image has been variously dated 1924 and 1933, it is unlike anything Stieglitz made in either of those years. This composition is, however, strongly related to images made in 1927 (Greenough, p. 704). The only other known print of this image is located at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C.