1905 Military Portrait of German Nobility in Uniform

This photograph features Prince Hohenlohe Oehringen and Freiherr Alex von Gabelstein in formal military attire, taken in 1905. The subjects are posed in a traditional style known as Gestulich geschurt, reflecting the decorum and discipline of the era. Both men, prominent figures of their time, represent the military aristocracy of Germany, which played a significant role in the events leading up to World War I.

Captured by the Bain News Service, this image exemplifies early 20th-century portrait photography, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail typical of military documentation. The use of glass negatives during this period allowed for high-quality images, preserving a clear view of the subjects’ uniforms and insignia, which were symbols of rank and status in the militarized culture of the time. This photograph serves as not just a portrait but also a historical record of the military elite at the dawn of a tumultuous century.