Carl Van Vechten (1880-1964) was an extremely influential critic, novelist, photographer, and cultural arbiter, especially noted for his advocacy of African-American art and culture. Although married, Van Vechten had many long-term gay relationships and his sexuality was an open secret during his life. In May 1924 Van Vechten moved from a small apartment at 151 East 19th Street (the so-called Block Beautiful, between Irving Place and Third Avenue) into a large and elegant apartment on the seventh floor of the newly-completed building at 150 West 55th Street.

“Harlem was sexually attractive to him mainly because it was a point of fusion among his homosexuality, his fascination with blackness, and his natural voyeurism.” Edward White, biographer

Van Vechten was instrumental in introducing the artists of the Harlem Renaissance to white society.

This is especially evident in the homoerotic photographs that he took of African-American men. He was also famed for his portrait photography, including images of many lesbian and gay writers, actors, and celebrities.

Van Vechten was known for his parties, as they were among the few venues where black and white New Yorkers freely intermingled on an equal basis. Notable gay and lesbian attendees included Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Ethel Waters, Somerset Maugham, Salvador Dalí, and Bessie Smith.