Ansel Adams (American, 1902-1984) Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite National Park, California

Lot 98

About Seller

274 Cedar Hill Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
United States

Founded over four decades ago, Bonhams Skinner offers more than 60 auctions annually. Bonhams Skinner auctions reach an international audience and showcase the unique, rare, and beautiful in dozens of categories, including the fine and decorative arts, jewelry, modern design, musical instruments, sc...Read more

Bid Increments

Price	Bid Increment
$0	$10
$100	$25
$500	$50
$1,000	$100
$3,000	$250
$5,000	$500
$10,000	$1,000
$30,000	$2,500
$50,000	$5,000
$100,000	$10,000
$300,000	$25,000
$500,000	$50,000
$1,000,000	$100,000

About Auction

Fine Prints, Multiples & Photographs by Bonhams Skinner

Live

Fine Prints, Multiples & Photographs

By Bonhams Skinner

Jan 23, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-01-23 18:00:00 2020-01-23 18:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Prints, Multiples & Photographs https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/skinner/fine-prints-multiples-photographs-4793 the Fine Prints & Multiples auction features Western fine art prints and multiples from the old masters to the present day and the Fine Photographs auction offers a broad range from the 19th century to the present day featuring classic works by modern masters. Bonhams Skinner bidsquare@bonhamsskinner.com

View Full Catalog (155)

Lot Description

Ansel Adams (American, 1902-1984)

Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite National Park, California, 1937, printed c. 1973-77. Signed "Ansel Adams" in pencil on the mount l.r., identified on a hand stamp and titled and dated "1944" in ink within the stamp on the mount verso. Gelatin silver print, 15 3/4 x 19 1/4 in. (40.0 x 48.9 cm), framed.
Condition: Good.

Provenance: A private Massachusetts collection.

N.B. Regarded as one the foremost photographers of the American West and a passionate preservationist, Ansel Adams dedicated his life to photographing nature and recording the majesty of the Yosemite Valley and the National Parks. Through his technical prowess behind the camera and steadfastness in capturing the most balanced shot, Adams created fine art photography that was accessible and revered by the American public.

This shot of Inspiration Point was originally captured around midday in early December of 1937 after Adams had patiently waited for the heavy-rain-turned-winter-storm to clear. The image evokes the sublime grandeur of nature and the temporal character of the storm as the clouds almost appear to carry onward as the storm dissipates and sunlight fills the valley. Adams' objective and direct representation of Yosemite are hallmarks of the "straight" photographic style he championed, while the rich tonality of the landscape demonstrates his Zone System, which assisted in creating the desired tonal values through calculations of exposure and development.

Through his photographs, the creation of the Zone System, and numerous photography manuals, Adams educated the public on photographic techniques and sought to cultivate the concept of photography as fine art. Clearing Winter Storm stands as a quintessential representation of Ansel Adams' style and a testament to the enthralling majesty of nature.
Estimate $30,000-50,000

Adams dated the negative of this image anywhere from 1940-1944, though it is now generally accepted the negative is from 1937. The handstamp (stamp 11) on the verso establishes the print date c. 1973-1977 (Haas, pg. 146).

Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Shipping Info
- Please visit http://www.skinnerinc.com/services/payment-and-shipping/ for information regarding the collection of items purchased at auction.
Buyer's Premium
- 25.00 %