Elegant Portrait of Princess Louise of Belgium, 1910s

This photograph features Princess Louise of Belgium, captured between 1910 and 1915 by the Bain News Service. Born on February 18, 1875, Princess Louise was the daughter of King Leopold II of Belgium and Queen Marie-Henriette. Throughout her life, she played a significant role in various social and charitable activities, reflecting the royal familys engagement in public service during that era. The image serves as a visual documentation of her elegance and poise, emblematic of the European nobility at the time.

During her life, Louise was known not only for her royal duties but also for her marriage to Prince Philipp of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. This union not only strengthened ties between Belgian and German nobility but also highlighted the intertwining relationships of royal families across Europe during the early 20th century. The period in which this photograph was taken witnessed significant political changes in Europe, laying the groundwork for the social landscape that would, just a few years later, be dramatically affected by World War I.

The photograph, produced as a glass negative, reflects the early techniques of photojournalism, capturing detailed images of notable figures of the day. This specific image of Louise acts as a historical artifact, offering a glimpse into royal life in Belgium and the interconnectedness of European royal families during a time of both prosperity and impending upheaval.