Elegant Portrait of a 1910s Banking Power Couple

This striking glass negative, titled Jacob Schiff & wife, dates back to the years between 1915 and 1920 and was produced by the Bain News Service. Jacob Schiff was a prominent banker and philanthropist, known for his influential role in American finance and Jewish philanthropy. He played a key part in the development of several major financial institutions and was deeply involved in various social causes. His wife, a partner in his charitable endeavors, often shared his commitment to improving the lives of others, making this image a snapshot of a notable couple in American history.

The photograph is a product of early 20th-century photographic techniques that captured the likenesses of its subjects with remarkable clarity. During this era, glass negatives were a common method used by photographers to create detailed images for newspapers and publications. This item not only preserves the image of Jacob Schiff and his wife but also reflects the technological advancements in photography at the time, making it a valuable piece of both personal and public history. The representation of figures like Schiff offers insight into the social and economic currents shaping the United States in the early 1900s.