Early 20th-Century Illinois Senator Portrait

This photograph features J. Ham Lewis, a notable figure in early 20th-century American politics. Lewis, who served as the United States senator from the state of Illinois, was known for his involvement in various political issues and his role in representing the interests of his constituents. Taken by the Bain News Service, this image reflects the typical style of early political portrait photography, where subjects were often presented in a formal manner to convey authority and professionalism.

The photograph is preserved as a glass negative, a common medium used for capturing images during this era. Glass negatives were widely employed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to their clarity and detail. The Bain News Service, founded by George Grantham Bain, was pivotal in documenting American political and cultural figures through photography. Although theres no specific date or location noted for this image, it epitomizes the eras political landscape, capturing a moment when photography was establishing itself as a crucial tool for journalism and politics.