VAN VECHTEN, Carl (1880-1964), photographer. The lake front, Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Nov. 1934.

7 3/4 x 9 1/8 in. silver gelatin photograph. Recto, lower right with Carl Van Vechten's embossed blindstamp. Verso with Van Vechten's studio stamp, as well as the caption, "Chicago, lake front from the Drake." This image was almost certainly taken around the same time that Van Vechten photographed Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein when they visited Chicago and stayed at the Drake Hotel in late November and early December 1934. While there, Stein gave a lecture at the Friday Club, a women’s literary society, and they took the opportunity to see the Chicago premiere of Four Saints in Three Acts, for which Stein had written the libretto.

Carl Van Vechten was well-connected to the people and places of the Harlem Renaissance at a time when racial segregation and Jim Crow laws were intense. Throughout the 1920s, he indulged in the parties and social scene of New York's Black creative class, which he captured in his provocatively titled novel Nigger Heaven. When the Depression came, he stopped writing novels and began taking photographs, most notably of influential African Americans, taking iconic portraits of thought leaders, entertainment stars, sports figures, artists, writers of the Harlem Renaissance, and more. His collection of over 9000 images, mostly portraits, is held at the Beinecke Library at Yale University.

Property of Kris and Alicia Huffman, SuddElle Farms at Clover Hill, Lenoir, North Carolina

Light edge and corner wear, light occasional spotting.

Freeman's I Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Freeman's I Hindman.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

American Historical Ephemera & Photography, including African Americana

VAN VECHTEN, Carl (1880-1964), photographer. The lake front, Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Nov. 1934.

American Historical Ephemera & Photography, including African Americana

VAN VECHTEN, Carl (1880-1964), photographer. The lake front, Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Nov. 1934.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup