Carl Van Vechten

Carl Van Vechten, (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964), original, vintage, hand made/altered cabinet card.

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.

Vintage cabinet card, most likely hand made/altered by Saul Mauriber as a gift for Carl Van Vechten and his actress wife of 50 years, Fania Marinoff. The card features the inscription "For Fania and Carlo on Valentine's Day," no doubt in Mauriber's hand. The cabinet card features some age wear including chipping to its right hand side and bottom corner. A wonderful personal item once owned and likely treasured by Van Vechten.