(Coleman, Leo) Van Vechten, Carl

Portrait photograph of Leo Coleman [aka Leopoldo Savarona] as Toby in Gian-Carlo Menotti's opera, THE MEDIUM

Bust portrait in profile. Gelatin silver print. 24.2 x 20.2 cm. (approximately 9-1/2 x 7-7/8 inches), New York: May 18, 1946. Van Vechten's blind stamp lower left, atelier stamp on verso, and docketed in pen, giving the name of the sitter, date, and print reference ("I - cc - 7").

A very rare and early image (none are in the Library of Congress) of the versatile and prolific actor, choreographer, screenwriter and director who worked on stage and screen in Italy in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Born Leopoldo Savarona in Italy in 1922 (known in America as Leo Coleman), he is portrayed here at age 23 in his first major role: that of Toby, in the Menotti Opera THE MEDIUM (1946), which also enjoyed a successful run on Broadway (1947), and was made into a film in 1951, with Leo Coleman in his first major role in film. Inscribed warmly to Mauriber: "To Saul: Thanks for being so much a fan as to climb two flights of stairs. / Toby 'The Medium' / Leo Coleman" From the Estate of Saul Mauriber, Van Vechten's assistant, and the editor/compiler of PORTRAITS: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF CARL VAN VECHTEN (1978); EXTRAVAGANT CROWD.

Item #222444       Price: $1,000.00