1920s Portrait of a Stylish Individual in Glass Negative

This glass negative, dating from around 1920 to 1925, features an individual named Johnson, likely captured during the height of the Roaring Twenties. This period was marked by significant social and cultural shifts in America, with rapid industrialization, widespread urbanization, and a flourishing of jazz music and new styles. By the early 20s, many Americans were embracing a sense of modernity, leading to changes in fashion, art, and social conventions. The image, taken by a photographer for the Bain News Service, is a small snapshot of this vibrant era.

Johnsons presence in the photograph invites us to consider the everyday stories of individuals living through transformative times. Photographs like this one serve as historical records, reflecting not only personal identities but also the larger societal backdrop. The Bain News Service was widely known for documenting everyday life and significant events, emphasizing the value of capturing candid moments that illustrate the complexities of American life in the early 20th century. This glass negative is more than just an image; it’s a tangible connection to a dynamic period of change in history.