Captivating American Opera Star, Circa 1915

This photograph features Anna Fitziu, an acclaimed American opera singer known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Taken by Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920, this image captures a moment in a transformative period for music and performing arts in the United States. Fitziu gained prominence in the early 1900s, standing out in multiple opera houses and concerts across the nation. Her performances contributed to the burgeoning popularity of opera in American culture, as audiences became more engaged with this dramatic art form.

The glass negative technique used for this photograph highlights a unique aspect of early 20th-century photography. This method, which involved capturing images on glass plates, was widely used by news services to produce high-quality prints. The use of glass negatives allowed for incredible detail and clarity, making these images valuable historical records. Fitzius portrait not only represents her individual legacy but also reflects the broader trends and advancements in photography and performance during this vibrant era in American history.