Elegant Mrs. A.I. Elkus: A 1915-1920 Portrait

This historical photograph features Mrs. A.I. Elkus, captured between 1915 and 1920 by the Bain News Service. Glass negatives like this one were popular during this time, serving as a means of preserving images before the advent of modern photographic techniques. The use of glass negatives allowed for sharp detail and clarity, crucial for news photography that aimed to document significant events and figures of the era.

Mrs. Elkus is notable beyond this portrait; her husband, Abraham Isaac Elkus, served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1914 to 1917. This was a pivotal time, as the world was on the brink of World War I, and the Ottoman Empire was a key player in the unfolding geopolitical landscape. The Elkus family was actively engaged in the cultural and political discussions of their time, making this photograph a small but interesting window into an influential social circle during a transformative period in history.

The photograph not only captures a moment in time but also reflects the changing roles of women in society during the early 20th century. As women began to assert more influence, figures like Mrs. Elkus contributed to the public dialogue, enriching the historical narrative of the time. This image stands as a testament to the eras complex social dynamics and the significance of personal connections in shaping history.