Carl Van Vechten

Carl Van Vechten (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964), celebrated American writer and photographer, authentic, autographed and inscribed silver print photograph.

Van Vechten, the celebrated American writer and photographer, was the literary executer 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.

This autographed, vintage image, housed in its original "Mayson's Photographic Artists, Keswich" folio features an inscription "Saul [Saul Mauriber] / with love yours / Carlo / November 14 1950" boldly signed by Van Vechten in black ink on the inside back cover of the folio.  Embossed on its front side, bottom right corner is a "Masyson Photo Keswick" original 'blind' stamp. The photograph, measuring approximately 3.5 x 5.5 inches, printed on a thick weight matte stock, is in fine condition aside from some slight age wear.