Man Ray [Carl Van Vechten]

Man Ray (born Emmanuel Radnitzky, August 27, 1890 – November 18, 1976), American modernist artist, original, vintage, autographed note (ANS) written on the reverse of a postcard addressed to celebrated friend and photographer Carl Van Vechten. 

Man Ray writes: "Willa Cather [American Author] told today that Mabel Dodge [Patron of the Arts], has given Harcourt [Publishing Firm] her memoirs, not to be published till after her death. Had you heard this? Sorry I missed Fan [Fania Marinoff - Van Vechten's wife] here. Lots of love to you both." Signed simply "Man."

Man Ray spent most of his career in Paris, France. He was a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements, although his ties to each were informal. He produced major works in a variety of media but considered himself a painter above all. He was best known in the art world for his avant-garde photography, and he was a renowned fashion and portrait photographer. Significant members of the art world, such as James Joyce, Gertrude Stein, Jean Cocteau, Bridget Bate Tichenor, and Antonin Artaud, posed for his camera. Ray is also noted for his work with photograms, which he called "rayographs" in reference to himself. During his career as an artist, Man Ray allowed few details of his early life or family background to be known to the public. He even refused to acknowledge that he ever had a name other than Man Ray.

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.

The vintage postcard, measuring, 3.5 x 5.5 inches is in very good condition. Its front features and illustration of  'Marion Davies and her Colonial Beach Home, Santa Monica, Calif.' Verso bears postage cancelations (Los Angeles, CA., 1930), hand written note and signature as transcribed above.