LOT #73095 |
Sold on Oct 3, 2025 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Robert Frank (American, 1924-2019). City Fathers, Hoboken, New Jersey (from The Americans), 1955-1957. Gelatin silver pr...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Sold on Oct 3, 2025 for:
$25,000.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Description
Robert Frank (American, 1924-2019)City Fathers, Hoboken, New Jersey (from The Americans), 1955-1957
Gelatin silver print, printed circa 1962
8-1/2 x 11-1/2 inches (21.6 x 29.2 cm) (image)
11 x 12-7/8 inches (sheet)
Signed in ink, lower margin recto. Titled, dated, and inscribed in pencil by Grace Mayer, and with Museum of Modern Art stamp, verso.
PROVENANCE:
Pace/MacGill Gallery, 2004;
Private collection, San Francisco.
EXHIBITED:
Turning the Page, Pier 24 Photography, San Francisco, CA, April 15, 2024 - January 31, 2025
LITERATURE:
R. Frank, The Americans, Steidl, Göttingen, 2008, n.p.
Grace Mayer was the Curator of Photography (1962-1968) at the Museum of Modern Art. She was the curator for the 1962 exhibition Harry Callahan and Robert Frank. It is most likely that this photograph was printed at that time and signed later by Frank.
Robert Frank's City Fathers, Hoboken, New Jersey (1955-1956) is a defining image from The Americans, the landmark series that reshaped documentary photography. Depicting Hoboken officials in rigid formality, the photograph offers a quiet yet pointed critique of civic authority and the performance of power in postwar America.
This print, made circa 1962, is an important early example. It is signed by Frank and inscribed by Grace Mayer, then Curator of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), with MoMA's stamp on the verso. These details strongly suggest it was produced for MoMA's 1962 Harry Callahan and Robert Frank exhibition, curated by Mayer. Its association with that exhibition highlights both the photograph's early institutional recognition and the profound influence of The Americans on the history of photography.
Most recently, the print was included in Turning the Page at Pier 24 Photography in San Francisco (2024-2025), the final exhibition at the renowned institution before its closure.
More information about Robert Frank. See also: Frank, Robert Artist.
Condition Report*:
Overall good condition. A few small areas of retouching to the hat and coat of the right most figure visible upon UV inspection. Slight silver mirroring to the figure's cloaks visible in raking light. A minor accretion located near the 3rd left most figure also visible under closer UV inspection. An approximate 4 inch hard crease in bottom left corner extends from the margin into the image. Other scattered creases and undulations are localized to the margins, not visible through window mat. Tape remnants on the sheet's lower margin recto, also not visible through window mat. Sheet curls slightly upward at the top and bottom edges. Most condition issues listed in this report are not visible through window mat and frame. Cornered to a window mat and framed under glass measuring 16-1/2 x 18-1/2 inches.
*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders.
Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation,
warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report.
Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500.
Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames.
All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.Auction Info
2025 October 3 Photographs Signature® Auction #8220 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2025
3rd
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 16
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 458
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms