Carl Van Vechten

Carl Van Vechten, (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964), original, vintage photographs, negatives and color transparancies by or featuring the celebrated photographer. Group lot of 35 items.

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.

Most photographs feature Van Vechten with his actress wife of 50 years, Fania Marinoff (March 20, 1890 – November 17, 1971). The group also includes a 2 page signed, hand written letter (ALS) by noted stage actor Leif Argo. All vintage items come housed in the original hard-back photo album and are in fine condition for their age.