1911 Bust of Influential U.S. Senator Boies Penrose

This portrait bust of Boies Penrose, taken in 1911 by the Bain News Service, captures a significant figure in early 20th-century American politics. Penrose served as a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania for over a decade and was a prominent leader in the Republican Party during a transformative period in American history. He was influential in shaping policy and political strategy in the aftermath of the Progressive Era, as the nation grappled with industrialization and urbanization.

The photograph highlights the artistry and technical skills of early 20th-century photography. As a glass negative, it reflects the practices commonly used in that time, allowing for detailed and sharp images that preserved the likeness of notable individuals. Penroses distinguished features are matched by the formal presentation typical of political portraits, underlining his status and authority in the political arena. This image serves as a window into both the man and the era he represented, encapsulating the essence of a pivotal time in American governance.