Carl Van Vechten

Carl Van Vechten, (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964), celebrated American writer and photographer, original, approximately 8 x 10, silver-print photograph of flowers commemorating the 45th Wedding Anniversary of Van Vechten and wife Fania.

Fania Marinoff (March 20, 1890 – November 17, 1971), American actress who married Carl Van Vechten in 1914. They had met two years earlier, and their marriage lasted over 50 years, despite rumors of Van Vechten's homosexuality.

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.

Verso bears original credit stamping, title 'Birthday Flowers (Anniversay Flowers / 3 Varieties of Carnations from _ ,' unique roman numeral archive number 'XVII RR 14,' and printing date of 'Oct 21 1960,' all written in Van Vechten's hand. Printed on a heavy-weight matte stock. In fine condition with light signs of wear and handling including original uneven cropped edges.