Early 20th Century Portrait of Pat Keenan

This glass negative captures Pat Keenan, an individual of interest during the early 20th century, showcasing the photographic techniques used by the Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920. During this period, glass negatives were the standard for photographic documentation, enabling detailed and high-quality images that vividly chronicled the lives and events of the time. The Bain News Service, a prominent news agency, played a crucial role in providing visual records of newsworthy figures and everyday life, contributing to public awareness and historical documentation.

At the time this photograph was taken, America was undergoing significant changes. The country was grappling with the challenges of World War I, social reform movements, and the beginnings of the Jazz Age. The late 1910s represented a transition to modernity, where innovations in technology and shifts in culture were becoming visible through various means, including photography. In capturing Pat Keenan, this image not only preserves an individual moment but also serves as a window into the broader historical context of the era. The clarity of the glass negative exemplifies the era’s advancements in photographic practices, allowing us to revisit the past with greater fidelity.