The artist; Nicolas Dean, gift from the above, 1962; Butterfield & Butterfield, Chicago, Fine Photographs, November 17, 1999, lot 4082; Private collection.

Ansel Adams (American, 1902-1984) Typed Autographed Letter to the Photographer Nicholas Dean, 1962 Typed letter signed "Ansel"; with numerous holograph corrections, and two small drawings, on imprinted personal letterhead, Carmel, CA, September 15, 1962. 4to, 2 pages (rectos only). A long letter to Nicholas Dean, a young colleague, discussing everything photographic and philosophic. Together with Vernal Fall, Yosemite National Park, California; Portrait of Ansel Adams (2 works), 1962 Gelatin silver prints 9-1/4 x 7-1/2 inches (23.5 x 19.1 cm) and slightly larger (image/sheet) Yosemite print with photographer's stamp, portrait signed in ink in the image. PROVENANCE: The artist; Nicolas Dean, 1962; Butterfield & Butterfield, Chicago, Fine Photographs, November 17, 1999, lot 4082; Private collection. The letter reads in part: I have, for many years, thought of art as little in itself except that it has reactions upon, and disposes benefits on, the human situation. In other words, art that does not exhibit the elements of "elevation", of constructivism, of social function in the best sense of the term, this art does, for me, simply not exist. I may be opaque - but I did not like the "transparency" of earlier years. I find that with the vast problems of the world crowding upon us we are prone to escape into all kinds of questionable symbolisms. If dwelling on Gangs did any human good- then Dwell, for God's sake. But people like Hine dwelled upon the miseries of the poor in NY - but USED the pictures for great and constructive purposes. Most of the modern artists are merely "dwelling" - dwelling in human vacuo. In my way, I try to relate my work to conservation of the natural scene, and some other things. This does not take away the magic of creativity for me - although it might for many. Without purpose, anything I might do might very well have no essential validity. There is a great and healthy excitement in making the creative impulse "work" far the larger world of people and principles. This is why I think Gene Smith is supreme - but I doubt if he knows why he may be!! This lot is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Charles R. Searle Autographs for the signed portrait of Adams. HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Overall excellent condition. Waterfall print with mild silver mirroring along extreme edges of the sheet. Signed portrait in excellent condition with minor staining along the top edge of the image and some minor bumps to the corners. Both sheets loose, not framed. Portrait dimensions: 10 x 8 inches.