1922 Aristocratic Elegance: Marquis & Wife Portrait

This photograph captures Marquis Sommi Picenardi Di Calvatone and his wife, taken by the Bain News Service in October 1922. The couple stands poised, representing the aristocratic class of early 20th-century Italy. The prominence of the Marquis highlights the social structure of the time, where nobility held significant influence in politics and culture. Marquis Picenardi had ties to land ownership and governance, reflecting the aristocracys role in shaping regional dynamics during this period.

The use of glass negatives, like the one used to capture this image, was common in early 20th-century photography. This technique was favored for its ability to produce sharp, detailed images that were crucial for documentation. The Bain News Service was known for its extensive coverage of notable individuals and events, contributing to a growing visual history that helps us understand societal hierarchies and fashions of the era. Through this photograph, we gain a glimpse into the lives of the elite and the historical context that shaped their existence.