1922 Portrait of French Actress Cecile Sorel

This glass negative captures Cecile Sorel, a prominent French actress known for her performances in both theater and film during the early 20th century. By 1922, Sorel had already made a name for herself, appearing in numerous productions across Europe and America. With her striking presence, she often portrayed strong, dynamic characters, helping to shape the eras theatrical landscape.

Manufactured by the Bain News Service, this negative documents a period when photography was transitioning from plates to more versatile formats. The use of glass negatives allowed for greater detail and clarity, showcasing Sorel at a time when visual media was becoming increasingly important for public figures. This image serves as a record of not just Sorel’s contributions to the arts, but also the evolution of photography itself in capturing the essence of celebrity and cultural life in the 1920s.