28

Carl Van Vechten

1880-1964

Nelson Barclift (This is the Army). 1942.

Silver print
With Van Vechten's copyright stamp and his title in pencil, and the inventory number also in pencil in an unknown hand, on verso
the image 10 x 7 5/8 in. (25.4 x 19.4 cm.)

  • Provenance: Nelson Barclift was a member of the US Army's Theatre Section during World War II. This image is from Irving Berlin's "This is the Army," which was written to boost morale and was shown on Broadway, cast entirely of members of the armed forces, to benefit the Army Emergency Relief Fund. Barclift was the co-choreographer and principal dancer for the musical. Though the musical was certainly problematic for its portrayal of stereotypes and inclusion of blackface, the unit that presented the performance off-Broadway was integrated, making it the first instance of racial integration in the armed forces (though it was still segregated when it came to on-stage performance). Additionally, almost every number in the musical included men in drag.
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

August 21, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
25.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
20.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000