Elegant Woman in Period Fashion, 1915-1920

This historical photograph features a subject labeled Martinelli, taken by a photographer from the Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920. The image is part of a larger collection that captures everyday life and notable figures from early 20th-century America. The Bain News Service was known for documenting significant events and personalities, making this photograph a valuable piece of the historical record.

At the time the photograph was taken, America was experiencing transformative changes. The country was on the brink of entering World War I, and there was a burgeoning sense of national identity intertwined with global events. The glass negative format used in this photograph speaks to the technology of the era, favored for its clarity and detail, allowing photographers to capture sharp images that conveyed the essence of their subjects.

The specific identity of Martinelli remains ambiguous, but he is likely a representation of the diverse group of individuals contributing to American society in the early 1900s. Each photograph from this period tells a part of the larger narrative of American history, offering insights into the lives, styles, and events shaping the nation. Understanding these images helps us appreciate how photography served as a lens to view the evolving story of America during a dynamic time.