Early 20th Century Fashionable Couple Portrait

This photograph features two individuals, Nancy Dixon and Arthur Sullivan, taken between 1910 and 1915. Its a remarkable representation of early 20th-century life, showcasing the fashion and societal norms of that time. Nancy Dixon likely reflects the styles popular among women of the era, which often included long dresses with intricate details, while Arthur Sullivan demonstrates the classic attire of a gentleman in that period, typically donning a suit and tie.

Captured by the Bain News Service, this image is part of a larger collection that aimed to document various aspects of American life during the early 1900s. The glass negative format used for this photograph was common in photography during that time, allowing for sharp details and clarity. The technology behind glass negatives involved coating a glass plate with light-sensitive emulsion, resulting in images that were often richer and more detailed than later film photographs.

The photograph serves as a window into the lives of two individuals from a century ago, connecting viewers to their personal stories and the broader historical context of the era in which they lived. This period was marked by significant social changes, including shifts in gender roles and advances in technology, making the image not only a glimpse into fashion but also a snapshot of a transformative time in American history.