Social Documentary Photograph Appraisal

Framed Social Documentary Photograph of Madagascar Street Scene

This item is a professionally framed black and white silver gelatin or high-quality monochrome print, capturing a candid street scene likely in Madagascar. The central subject is a man seated in a 'pousse-pousse' (rickshaw), interacting with people on the street, including a woman carrying items and children. The photograph displays a sharp range of tonal values from deep blacks to bright highlights. It is matted with a dual-toned brown and cream matboard, housed within a substantial wooden frame featuring an ornate, scalloped or gadrooned gold-gilt and dark-wood finish. Visible in the lower margins are penciled inscriptions: the left appears to be a limited edition numbering (e.g., '1/25'), and the right is a signature, suggesting it is a fine art piece rather than a mass-production. The framing appears contemporary and in good condition, though the glass shows reflections. The print itself shows no immediate signs of foxing or warping, indicating proper mounting. This piece exemplifies mid-to-late 20th-century social documentary photography style.