WILLIAM HENRY FOX TALBOT | THE WOODCUTTERS

WILLIAM HENRY FOX TALBOT
1800-1877
THE WOODCUTTERS

salt print from a calotype negative, on a hand-ruled mount, with '10' in pencil on the mount, with annotations in pencil on the reverse, circa 1845 (First Photographs, p. 43)
6 by 8¼ in. (15.2 by 21 cm.)

Condition Report:
While the center of this salt print retains some of its dark tones, the tonality overall appears to have shifted to green and faded. The shutters and logs in the center of the image retain good detail. There is a barely perceptible chip at the upper right edge of the print.

The mount is appropriately age-darkened. There is minor soiling and some foxing in the lower portion of the mount, as well as on the reverse. 'would be Haystack' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the mount. There are abrasions along the upper edge of the reverse of the mount. 'Plate inserted instead of Haystack' is written in an old hand in pencil on the reverse of the mount. '14x20'; '6x8'; and 'TALBOT' are also written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse.

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.