Christmas Day Portrait of a 1916 Army Captain

This glass negative features Captain C.F. Hughes, a notable figure in early 20th-century America, captured in New York on December 25, 1916. Hughes served in the United States Army and became widely recognized for his contributions to military aviation during a transformative time for the U.S. military. The image reflects the eras growing interest in aviation and the burgeoning role of air power in military strategy, which would later take center stage during World War I.

The glass negative itself represents an important technological advancement in photography, marking a shift from earlier methods to more detailed and durable formats. In the early 1900s, glass plates were often used for news photography, allowing for high-resolution prints and clearer images. This medium was essential for newspapers and news services, like the Bain News Service, to provide accurate and compelling visuals to their audience. Capturing figures like Hughes highlights the intersection of innovation and military history during a pivotal moment for both the United States and the world.