1920 Glass Negative of Early 20th Century Portrait

This glass negative captures A. Bailly-Blanchard, a figure from the early twentieth century photographed by the Bain News Service on March 24, 1920. Prior to the advent of digital photography, glass negatives were a standard method for producing photographic images. They provided a high level of detail and were widely used by photographers, especially news services like Bain that documented notable figures and events of the time.

A. Bailly-Blanchard might be less well-known today, but the image serves as a snapshot of a specific moment in history. The 1920s was a dynamic decade in America, marked by social change, the rise of jazz, and the suffragette movement gaining traction. Photos like this one help preserve the visual history of individuals who contributed to the fabric of their society, whether through business, culture, or public service. By examining these historical records, we gain insights into the lives and times that shaped the modern world.