1915 Portrait of Diplomat Wellington Koo & Spouse

This photograph features Wellington Koo, a prominent Chinese diplomat and politician, alongside his wife in 1915. Koo played a significant role during a transformative period in China’s history, particularly in the wake of the 1911 revolution that led to the fall of the Qing dynasty. Educated in the United States, Koo was a member of China’s delegation to the Versailles Peace Conference after World War I, advocating for his countrys rights and interests on the international stage.

The image was captured by a Bain News Service photographer, known for documenting key figures and events of the early 20th century. The clarity of the glass negative allows viewers to observe the fashion and cultural norms of the time, reflecting the evolving identity of Chinese leaders who were increasingly engaging with the Western world. The photograph not only provides insight into Koos personal life but also represents an era when diplomatic relations between China and Western powers were becoming more complex and crucial.