Carl Van Vechten

Carl Van Vechten, (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964), original, vintage, inscribed post card announcing a Christmas gift of a one year subscription to View Magazine for Saul Mauriber.

Van Vechten, the 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.

 The front of the card features an illustration with the caption "View will come to you for one year as a Christmas gift from 'Carl Van Vechten' (in Van Vechten's hand) / Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." Its verso features Mauriber's name and address in Van Vechten's hand with New York canceled postage. The  card, measures 3.75 x 5 and is in fine condition with some minor age wear, dings and surface scratches.