Vintage Portrait of a Distinguished Figure, 1915-1920

This photograph features a subject identified as Lee, captured between 1915 and 1920 by the Bain News Service. The image stands out as a historical record from a time when news photography was instrumental in documenting everyday life and notable events. The Bain News Service was known for producing and distributing news images that covered a variety of subjects, from prominent figures to everyday Americans, providing a vivid snapshot of the early 20th century.

During this period, the United States was undergoing significant social and cultural changes. The years leading up to the 1920s saw the effects of World War I, the suffrage movement gaining momentum, and the beginnings of the Jazz Age. Photography was becoming an increasingly important medium for storytelling, and images like Lee’s reflect the diverse stories and faces of the era. These glass negatives were typically used by newspapers and periodicals to illustrate articles and convey the significant moments of the time, making this photograph a valuable piece of historical documentation.

The Bain News Service’s images, including this one, provide insights into the lives of individuals and the broader societal shifts occurring throughout the country. As a part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, it represents not just the individual captured in the frame but also the historical context of early 20th-century America.