Van Vechten, Carl. (1880–1964) [Firbank, Ronald. (1886–1926)]
Original Postcard Photograph with Copy of Letter to Ronald Firbank
Original postcard photograph of an unidentified young man by the American writer and photographer, together with a reproduction of an autograph letter to Van Vechten from Ronald Firbank, possibly the subject of the photograph, as they were kept together. The letter (4 pp. with image of envelope; London, July 19, 1925) reads: "Dear Carl, A thousand thanks for Firecrackers. It looks most fascinating. I flit to Paris in a day or two the début of my winter for I shall drift towards Marseilles. I sail—for where? Really I have no plans. These last few months in England have kept me busy with lawyers & mute relations, & your poor Ronald is worn out. The Cardinal comes in September I believe, & this week I adorned my proofs – Oh what a wicked book, & what echos will follow me!! Dear Carl are they not all absurd? Ronald. I send you my love." Letter reproduced in negative colors; edge wear; overall very good. Postcard 3.25 x 5.5 inches, letter ca. 5 x 8 inches.American writer and artistic photographer Carl Van Vechten was a patron of the Harlem Renaissance and the literary executor of Gertrude Stein. He gained fame as a writer, and notoriety as well, for his novel Nigger Heaven. In his later years, he took up photography and took many portraits of notable people. Although he was married to women for most of his adult life, Van Vechten engaged in numerous homosexual affairs over his lifetime. His correspondence with English writer Ronald Firbank has been studied as one of the "origins of camp." (18119)
Unsigned Photograph Art & Design