Author Topic: Hi Everyone! I'm not sure whether this is a photo or a print. Looking for info  (Read 9926 times)

mart

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Not being into photography or print making, I just have lightly touched on various types,, but if I remember,, the gelatin prints have a certain reflective quality !!

hemster922

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These are a couple of the close up shots I took of the picture.
Can you see the flecks? Much better with a flashlight and a magnifying glass.



Ipcress

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I'd say it's just a print, not a gelatin. It's substantially larger than quality prints of the same work

hemster922

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I'm glad you said that icpress!, because thats what I thought when this artist was first identified and I did some real research.
Problem I have, is why the Senior Specialist of Photographs at a reputable art gallery made no mention of that, given that was the first of the details passed along [?].
If the size is a determining factor, then it would be foolish of me to exhaust any more time planning a trip to the city over something easily realized.
Thats what I'm trying to prevent.

Rauville

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Have you tried calling the framer and asking if this is a stock item they have on hand? Their website indicates they grow orchids...maybe flower prints are part of their inventory as well. ???

hemster922

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I left a message & and email Rauville. Thank you for the advice

hemster922

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Hi Everyone!
It's been 7 months since this original post and I must say I'm still at a complete standstill with this piece!
I've taken it it to experts. "Photogravure" has been ruled out [and documented]. But of the many evaluations I've been able to get over the months, not one of them are definitive or confirming as to print process.
In other words, I still do not know what it is that I have here and it's driving me crazy!
Silver Gelatin and Platinum are suspect, but due to confusion on the age of this piece and type of paper it was printed on so far no one can confirm for me what this is, and the mystery continues!
I was advised to remove it from the glass frame and have it professionally mounted [which I've done].
It's been viewed under microscopic contraptions, and the paper blacklighted to test for age, and still I'm advised to have it further investigated.
How can this be? I've pretty much exhausted my resources and am baffled as to what to do next.
I also contacted Aperture [who apparently controls Stiechen's work in some way] and the first thing I was asked was if this piece was acquired through them..[there would be a watermark]...when I said "No, it was purchased at an estate sale", the woman suggested I contact the original owner. I said "That would be impossible due to the fact that she's passed"...the woman then suggested I contact the next of kin.
[[[shaking head]]]
Another expert, a gallery owner, who has been in the business for over 30 years and a big fan of Steichen's work said
Quote
"If I don't know what this is, that's a very good thing, it means you have something"
...ok...BUT WHAT?
Help  ???

mart

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Have you tried a museum curator ??  Have you contacted the Metropolitan Museum of Art ??  Remember the artist gifted one of his works to them !!  (page1)  The one that was sold by Christies !!
« Last Edit: February 26, 2014, 02:20:58 pm by mart »

hemster922

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I tried the Met by phone and could not get a person so I emailed with pics some time ago and response was that my email was accepted but it may take weeks for it to be reviewed and responded to by the appropriate person. Emailed again yesterday after visiting another gallery owner in NY who also advised me to do so.
I was in contact with Swann Galleries Vice President and Director of Photography as well some time ago, and after many emails back & forth she gave me an open invitation to visit her at the gallery when I could find a day to travel into the city. Recommended that the piece be removed from under glass, and when I did so and revealed that there were no markings or signature on the back she wrote me that the piece may not be appropriate for their auctions without a signature. [I wasn't looking for it to be auctioned off. Just properly identified]
...confused, so I never got to her.

Ipcress

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So now you've removed it from the frame, can i see an image of the reverse and of the edge at an angle, both in good ( preferably natural ) light

Difficult to tell but it looks like good quality paper that it's printed on, not cheap glossy stuff.

Ipcress

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And did you ever contact the owner of Orchid ? Surely he'd remember framing this.

hemster922

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The one gallery owner wrote in his description that though the age of the paper is unknown it appears to be of high quality. Also that this is in no way a "low end print".
And 3 calls & emails were made to the framing co. no reply

hemster922

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I'll post pics as soon as I can Ipcress any input is MUCH appreciated Thank you!


hemster922

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Well the quest continues!
Been in contact with the met, whos curators emailed me a short list of experts they recommend to view this piece.
..frustrating..I just wish I had a definitive answer as to what this is so that I can sell it with a proper description. I never expected this to be so hard