1929 Snapshot of Financial Titans: Baker & Rockefeller

This photograph features Stephen Baker and J.D. Rockefeller Jr., two prominent figures in American finance during the early 20th century. Taken on January 1, 1929, the image captures a moment just before the onset of the Great Depression, a period that would profoundly impact the U.S. economy. Baker, an influential banker, and Rockefeller, a key figure in the oil industry and philanthropy, represent the merging of wealth and power in this era. Their interaction signifies the strong network among the elite in early 20th-century America, particularly in New York City.

The photograph itself is a glass negative, a popular medium for capturing images at that time. This technique allowed for detailed and high-quality reproductions, which became essential for news media and documentation. The work of the Bain News Service, which recorded this image, was instrumental in chronicling significant events and personalities of the period. Understanding the context behind this image provides insight into the social and economic frameworks that shaped the American landscape during a pivotal moment in history.