1917 Portrait of Mabel Garrison, Iconic American Soprano

This photograph features Mabel Garrison, a prominent American soprano, taken on July 16, 1917. At this time, the world was engulfed in World War I, a conflict that not only shaped nations but also impacted various facets of cultural life, including the arts. Garrison, who was born in 1880, was known for her performances in both opera and concert settings, and her career flourished in the early 20th century, marking her as a key figure in American classical music.

The image captures Garrison during a period when many artists were using their platforms to support the war effort, whether through fundraising concerts or boosting morale through entertainment. The Bain News Service, known for documenting significant personalities and events of the time, produced this glass negative to create a historical record of Garrison’s work during this tumultuous period. The photograph remains a testament to how the arts continued to thrive even as global events unfolded, showcasing the resilience and cultural contributions of artists like Garrison in a world at war.