Carl Van Vechten [Irene Sharaff]

Carl Van Vechten, (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964) original silver gelatin print of of costume designer Irene Sharaff's Canteen Madonna (1945).

This unsigned, vintage Van Vechten image, features the photographer's original credit stamp on its verso along with the title "Irene Sharaff's Canteen Picture," unique roman numeral archive number "XX IV DD 5"  and printing date "December 22 1947" all in the artist's hand. The photograph measuring approximately 6.5 x 9.5 inches, printed on a thick weight matte stock, is in fine condition aside from some minor age wear and its original slightly irregularly trimmed edges.

Van Vechten, the celebrated American writer and photographer, was the literary executer 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.

Sharaff (January 23, 1910 - August 10, 1993), an American costume designer for stage and screen earned five Academy Awards and a Tony Award. The TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award was named for Sharaff. She was its first recipient in 1993. The award is now bestowed annually to a costume designer who, over the course of his or her career, has achieved great distinction and mastery of the art in theatre, film, opera or dance.