Circa 1915 Baritone Opera Singer Portrait

This historically significant photograph features Lambert Murphy, a notable figure in the early 20th century, known primarily as a baritone and opera singer. The image was captured by the Bain News Service, a prominent photography studio that documented many key events and personalities of the era. Taken between 1915 and 1920, it showcases Murphy during a time when opera was gaining popularity in the United States, reflecting the cultural shifts occurring in music and the arts.

Lambert Murphy had a successful career, performing in various concert halls and operas, and his image was widely circulated, which helped popularize his work among the public. This photograph is a glass negative, a common format for photography during that period, allowing for detailed and high-quality prints. The use of glass negatives was instrumental in preserving the clarity and detail of photographs at a time when other forms of photography were still developing. This period marked a vibrant era in American arts, and Murphy’s contributions represent a thread in the rich tapestry of musical history.