1920s Elegance: Baron and Baroness in Historic Portrait

This historical photograph features Baron Carter De Marchienne and his wife, captured between 1920 and 1925 by the Bain News Service. The image is preserved as a glass negative, which was a popular method for creating photographs in the early 20th century. This particular technique allowed for sharp details and clear contrasts, making it an effective medium for documenting notable figures of the time.

Carter De Marchienne was a Belgian nobleman with a notable presence in American high society. His interactions and relationships illustrate the cultural interplay between European aristocracy and American elites during the early 20th century. The period from 1920 to 1925 was marked by significant social changes, including the aftermath of World War I and the onset of the Roaring Twenties, a time characterized by economic prosperity and cultural dynamism in the United States.

Understanding the context of this photograph enriches its value as a visual record, capturing not just the subjects but an era of transformation. The image serves not only as a snapshot of individual lives but also reflects broader societal changes, including shifts in fashion, social norms, and the intersection of different cultural backgrounds in a rapidly modernizing world.