The original owner of this photograph, Leonard Stark, emigrated from Germany in 1926 before settling in Los Angeles to attend the Otis Art Institute where he studied photography. It was during this period spent on the West Coast that Stark was introduced to Weston, most likely through his circle of artist friends, and purchased several of Weston's prints, including the present lot. After World War II, Stark left California with his collection in tow, moving to New York City where he shifted his career focus from photography to the film industry. Throughout his moves and career successes, Stark retained Nude, Bertha, Glendale within his collection, a testament to his sustained appreciation for photography and reverence for his personal relationship with Weston.