Seated Portrait of a Key Figure in American History

This historical photograph features George B. Cortelyou, an important American figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Taken between 1899 and 1901, the portrait captures Cortelyou seated at a desk, engaging directly with the viewer. As the United States first Secretary of Commerce, Cortelyou played a significant role in the development of federal economic policy during a time of rapid industrialization.

Cortelyou was born in 1862 and passed away in 1940, leaving behind a legacy that includes his tenure as a key advisor to President Theodore Roosevelt. Before serving as Secretary of Commerce, he was the first Secretary of the Board of Trade and later became the Chief of the U.S. Secret Service. This portrait reflects his professional poise, symbolizing the growing influence of bureaucratic leaders in shaping American governance. His contributions spanned various sectors, particularly during the shifts that characterized America’s economy in the early 20th century.

The setting of this portrait—Cortelyou at a desk—hints at his role in the administration and the formal duties that came with governance at the time. This image serves as a window into an era marked by significant political and economic changes in American history. Through this photograph, we catch a glimpse of a man who was at the heart of these transformations, representing the intersection of personal ambition and public service.