Carl Van Vechten [Saul Mauriber]

Carl Van Vechten, (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964) original silver gelatin print self portrait with photographic exeutor and romantic interest Saul Mauriber. 

This unsigned, vintage Van Vechten image, features the photographer's original credit stamp on its verso along with the title "SM and CVV," and printing date "April 24 1962" all in the artist's hand. The photograph measuring approximately 7.5 x 10 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.