Live Auction 1893Photographs
ANSEL ADAMS (1902-1984)
Lot 333 PROPERTY OF THE STEARNS FAMILY TRUST


Ansel Adams created Portfolio Four: What Majestic Word to raise funds for Russell Varian's long-time dream of preserving what is now California's Castle Rock State Park.
Russell Varian, a Stanford engineer and inventor, and his wife Dorothy Varian, co-founder of Conservation Associates, were active conservationists who hiked California's Santa Cruz Mountains extensively.

'Every photo in this Portfolio is related in some direct or indirect way to the places, things and moods Russell Varian loved. In some the essences of light and space dominate; in others the substance of rock and wood, and the luminous insistence of growing things.' - Ansel Adams, October 1, 1963

Lot 333 is from the private collection of H. Myrl Stearns who in 1948 was a founding member of Varian Associates. He was company President from 1957-1964 and sat on its Board of Trustees until 1991.

ANSEL ADAMS (1902-1984)

Portfolio Four: What Majestic Word, In Memory of Russell Varian

Closed18 October 2007

Price Realised

USD 109,000

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ANSEL ADAMS (1902-1984)
Portfolio Four: What Majestic Word, In Memory of Russell Varian
San Francisco: Sierra Club, 1963. 15 gelatin silver prints; each signed in ink (on the mount); each numbered '8' in red ink on the portfolio label affixed (on the reverse of the mount); each 9 x 11½in. (22.8 x 29.2cm.); each with individual paper wrapper with printed plate number and short texts by Russell and John Osborne Varian; text inserts, numbered '8' in red ink (on the colophon). Contained in a four-fold case with linen covers and cloth ties. Accompanied by two gelatin silver prints, Sig Varian; and Russell Varian, c. 1960; signed in ink (on the mount); 'Carmel' credit stamp with title in ink (on the reverse of the mount); each approximately 12¼ x 10½in. (31 x 26.7cm.) Also accompanied by copies of various items of related correspondence.

From the artist;
to Russell Varian