1913 Portrait of Evelyn Thaw: Scandalous Elegance

This photograph captures Evelyn Thaw on August 18, 1913, a notable figure whose life intersected with the allure and scandal of early 20th-century American society. As the wife of prominent architect Harry Thaw, Evelyn became widely known due to the infamous trial surrounding her husband, who was charged with the murder of renowned designer Stanford White. This trial not only captivated the public but also highlighted the complexities of wealth, privilege, and moral standards of the time.

Taken by the Bain News Service, the image is rendered as a glass negative, a common photographic technique used before the advent of modern photography. Glass negatives allowed for high-quality reproduction of images and enabled photographers like those at Bain to effectively capture and disseminate images of significant events and personalities. Evelyn Thaw’s presence in the photograph speaks volumes, illustrating the blend of glamour and controversy that surrounded her life during a transformative era in American history.

Ultimately, this photograph stands as a striking reminder of the social dynamics in the United States during the early 1900s, when celebrity culture was beginning to shape public interest and discourse. Evelyn Thaws experience encapsulates the complexities of identity, public perception, and the consequences of fame, reflecting a significant chapter in the story of American social history.