1917 Portrait of Opera Star Mary Galli-Curci

This glass negative, taken on March 1, 1917, captures the renowned soprano Mary Galli-Curci, a leading figure in the world of opera during the early 20th century. Galli-Curci, an Italian-born artist, gained widespread acclaim for her powerful voice and dramatic stage presence. At the height of her career, she enchanted audiences and contributed to the popularity of opera in America, making her a significant cultural figure of her time.

Produced by the Bain News Service, this image highlights the early use of glass negative technology in photography, a process that allowed for detailed and high-quality reproduction of images. The negative captures a moment in history just before the United States entered World War I, a period of shifting cultural dynamics in art and performance. Galli-Curcis influence extended beyond the opera house, as she helped pave the way for future generations of vocalists. This photograph stands as a testament to her legacy and the evolution of performance art from that era.