• Original signed Ansel Adams gelatin silver photograph
• Image Date: April 17, 1927
• Print Date: 1927
  
• Signed: unsigned
• Print Size: approx. 8"x6", overmat size 20"x16"
• Print Condition: Pristine
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity from The Ansel Adams Gallery
  

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This is a magnificent vintage print of Adams' most important photograph. Ansel's description of the creation of Monolith as an epiphany, the moment at which he visualized the print he wanted to make, and realized how he would have to expose and develop his negative to achieve that vision. Adams' vision in creating photographs that speak the soul of humanity is artistic brilliance by itself. Being able to achieve that vision regularly through a technical medium such as photography is a whole different genius. This is the image that set Adams on his path
This print comes from the collection of Matthew Adams, grandson of Ansel Adams. It was probably re-washed and re-fixed in the 1970s, but never re-signed.

The Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras was Adams’ first portfolio, done in 1927 with the active encouragement and support of Albert Bender. Each print was approximately 6" x 8" on a 10" x 12" paper stock, which was engraved with the title in the margin below the image.
The print was made on Vitava Athena Grade T Parchment Paper, signed alternately A.E.Adams or Ansel E. Adams, and encased in a heavy stock cover folder, also with the title engraved on it.

Originally scheduled to be an edition of 110, unconfirmed reports state that a fire burned about half. There are 18 prints in the portfolio, including a few early masterpieces:

• Banner Peak and Thousand Island Lake
• El Capitan
• Lodgepole Pines (titled ‘Grove of Tamarack Pines’ on the print and cover folder)
• Monolith, the Face of Half Dome
• On the Heights

This portfolio was important to convincing Adams that the quality of his work was accepted beyond his established circle of admirers, predominantly friends and mountaineers. Albert Bender introduced Adams to many art patrons in San Francisco, who quickly ensured the financial success of this first portfolio. Shortly afterwards, Adams made the decision to pursue photography as a career instead of the piano.

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