Lot 27
James Van Der Zee
(1886-1983)
"James Van Der Zee: Eighteen Photographs, 1905-1939"; and selected studio portraits
Sale 1183 - Photographs
May 2, 2023 10:00AM CT
Live / Chicago
Estimate
$25,000 - $35,000

Sold for $23,940

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
James Van Der Zee
(1886-1983)
"James Van Der Zee: Eighteen Photographs, 1905-1939"; and selected studio portraits

Washington, D.C., Graphics International: 18 gelatin silver prints, printed 1974 by Richard Benson, each signed, consecutively numbered 'I- XVIII' and '13/75' in pencil on the mount; text inserts and portfolio case; accompanied by three gelatin silver studio portraits, 1928-1929, two signed, inscribed 'N.Y.C' and dated in the negative; two stamped 'Gaynella Greenlee Guarantee Photo Studio' on the verso.

image: varying sizes - largest 9 1/2 x 7 1/2in. (24.2 x 19cm.)
mount: each 15 x 12 1/2in. (18.1 x 31.7cm.)
accompanying portraits, sheet: each 10 x 8in. (25.4 x 20.3cm.)

James Van Der Zee created a rich portrait of African American life in Harlem during the first half of the 20th century. Catering to the growing population of the neighborhood, he used painted backdrops and photographic manipulation to make cosmopolitan portraits in his studio. Van Der Zee also photographed Harlem storefronts and local athletic, spiritual, social, and political groups. 
Condition Report
Predominantly neutral toned prints (apart from Nude, Flapper, Black Jews, Harlem, Portrait of Two Brothers and Their Sister, The Heiress, Harlem; and Daddy Grace, Harlem which are warm-toned) on matte paper, trimmed to edges and mounted on board. Plate XIV Atlantic City slightly lifting at left edge from mount - this barely perceptible and borad mount has two very small dark stains - not affecting the image. Plate XVI, Couple Harlem has traces of oxidation in darker areas, visible in a raking light only. A wonderful and very clean  set of images, in very good/ excellent condition overall. Box shows typical wear.

3 accompanying photographs - 2 wedding studies from Van Der Zee's studio - thees on glossy, ferrotyped paper with narrow black margins. Both prints have sunstantial wear to edges and corners, with minor surface scuffs etc. to surface of the portrait of the bridal couple. Both in generally good condition.

Third (unattributed) double-portrait of two women on matte, double-weight paper with narrow margins. This shows considerable wear - Crimps, creasing, emulsion losses, small tears (margin), hairline fissures etc. In only moderately good condition overall. 

Additional sizing information:
portfolio case: 16 x 13 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches.

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