Clarence John Laughlin
(American/Louisiana, 1905-1985)
"The House of the Past", 1948
silver gelatin print
signed lower right, titled and dated lower left. Verso with photographer's stamp and notations, and exhibition labels.
Matted and unframed.
print 9-1/2" x 7-1/2", overall 13" x 10"

Provenance: Collection of W.M. Hunt; private collection, Burlington, VT.

Exhibited: Photographs from W.M. Hunt, Recontres de la Photographie, Arles, France, June 2005; No Eyes: Photographs from W.M. Hunt/Collection Dancing Bear, Musée de l'Élysée, Lausanne, Switzerland, 2005-2006; The Unseen Eye: Photographs from the W.M. Hunt Collection, George Eastman House, Rochester, New York, October 1, 2011-February 19, 2012.

Literature: Illustrated in W.M. Hunt, The Unseen Eye: Photographs from the Unconscious (New York: Aperture, 2011).

Notes: The internationally acclaimed photographer Clarence John Laughlin was known for his provocative and surrealistic images of New Orleans and the South. A self-taught photographer, Laughlin grew up in Lake Charles and due to a failed rice-growing undertaking, his family moved to New Orleans where his father found work in a factory. A sensitive and introverted child, he cultivated an interest in literature that is reflected in the poetic titles of his photographs. Laughlin pushed the boundaries of photograph by combining several negatives in the dark room to create the haunting and ghostly image of "The House of the Past."

Photograph affixed to board by Laughlin. Toning of the board and light surface dirt. Small creases in corners of board; uneven emulsion on left side probably occurred during printing process. New Orleans Auction Galleries is pleased to issue and opinion of any lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate that a lot is perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear. Please understand that New Orleans Auction Galleries employs no professional conservators. All statements in any condition report, or statements taken verbally, are purely our best opinions, and not blanket statements of fact issued by this auction house. Prospective buyers should examine each lot so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, importance, age, etc. Regardless of any statements made in writing or verbally, all lots are sold strictly "As Is" in accordance with section 2 of our Conditions of Sale. No returns will be accepted on the basis of condition.