Charles Dalmores [Carl Van Vechten]

Charles Dalmorès (January 1, 1871 – December 6, 1939), French tenor who enjoyed an international operatic career, singing to public and critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic during the first two decades of the 20th century, authentic, autographed postcard with inscription, in French, from London to Carl Van Vechten in New York City.

In the pantheon of great French dramatic/lyric-dramatic tenors, Dalmorès' place is secure. He proved to be a worthy successor to Jean de Reszke (the biggest male opera star of his day), Léon Escalais and Albert Alvarez, each of whom enjoyed international careers during the 1890s and early 1900s. Of those French-speaking tenors who took up his mantle, the most esteemed were Paul Franz and Fernand Ansseau, followed in turn by Rene Maison, Georges Thill and, finally, Jose Luccioni, who was the last representative of this distinguished lineage. Luccioni retired in 1962. There are no big-voiced French tenors of comparable stature singing today.

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.

Signed on front by Dalmorès. In very good condition with original postage and markings.