Carl Van Vechten

Carl Van Vechten, (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964), original, vintage 'Real Photo Post Cards' printed by the artist and used as gifts and promotional items. Group lot of 9, total.

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 photographs, each measuring approximately 3.5 x 5.5 inches, printed on a thick weight matte stock photographic paper, are in fine condition aside from some minor age wear and original slightly irregularly trimmed edges. The verso of each features "Photo Post Card" graphics identifying correspondence, address and stamp placement as well as Du Pont or Kodak paper logos.