Saul Mauriber [Carl Van Vechten]

Saul Mauriber (1915 - 2003), Carl Van Vechten's long time assistant/romantic partner and executor for Van Vechten's estate, handwritten, autographed letter (ALS) to Van Vechten. Dated August 26, 1949.

Carl Van Vechten, (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964), celebrated American writer and photographer, was the literary executor of Gertrude Stein and a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance movement. He captured iconic images of all the key members in the worlds of Art, Theater, Music, and Literature. Van Vechten viewed his photography as a hobby; he never took commissions, he never sold photographs. He would grant permission to publish them, but had strict requirements to do so. He was a prominent fixture in 20th century photography collections with his work being included in such institutions as The Library of Congress, The Museum of The City of New York and The Smithsonian Institution.

In the letter, Mauriber writes about his travels to Italy and France, noting Alice Toklas, partner of Gertrude Stein and Van Vechten's wife of 50 years, actress Fania Marinoff.

Two pages on light vellum stock. In very good condition with horizontal and vertical mailing folds. Accompanied by original mailing envelope.