1917 Portrait of a Pioneering Russian-American Engineer

This photograph features Boris Bakmetieff, a notable figure in the early 20th century, captured during a pivotal moment in July 1917. As a Russian-American engineer and chemist, Bakmetieff played a significant role in promoting scientific advancements and collaborations between the United States and Russia. His work primarily influenced the fields of chemistry and engineering, particularly in the development of explosives and other materials during World War I.

Taken by the Bain News Service, this image was published in The Sunday Oregonian on September 9, 1917, highlighting Bakmetieff’s contributions to the ongoing war effort and the importance of scientific expertise during times of conflict. The photograph itself is a glass negative, a common medium of the era that allowed for high-quality images to be reproduced and disseminated in newspapers and other publications. This particular format gives us a glimpse not only into Bakmetieff’s life but also into the era’s photographic practices, illustrating how images were captured and shared with the public to inform and educate.