Arthur Classens: Iconic Image from 1915-1920 Era

This photograph features Arthur Classens, who is also known as Claussen, and was captured between 1915 and 1920 by the Bain News Service. As a figure during a time of significant social and political change in the United States, Classens represents an era that saw the rise of various cultural movements and the effects of World War I. The photograph itself is preserved as a glass negative, a common medium used by photographers in the early 20th century, which allowed for high-quality reproductions of images.

The Bain News Service, which produced this image, played a key role in documenting newsworthy events and individuals during this dynamic period. Established in 1898, the service became one of the first to offer a comprehensive collection of photography focused on current events. This particular photograph of Classens highlights the precision and style of early news photography, revealing not just the subject, but also giving a glimpse into the fashion and attitudes of the time. Understanding such images expands our perspective on history and illustrates how individual figures contributed to larger narratives.