Elegant Ballerina Lubov Tchernichowa, Circa 1910

This photograph features Lubov Tchernichowa, a prominent figure from the early 20th century, captured between 1910 and 1920 by the Bain News Service. Tchernichowa was a Russian-born ballerina known for her contributions to dance and theater in the United States. She performed with renowned companies and had a significant influence on the performing arts during her time, bridging the worlds of European and American performance.

The image itself is an example of glass negative photography, a technique that dominated the field before modern film became the standard. Glass negatives were often used for their high quality, allowing for detailed images that showcased the subjects vividly. Understanding the context of photography in that era adds a layer of appreciation to the visual history captured in this portrait of Tchernichowa, who not only represented the artistry of ballet but also reflected the broader cultural exchanges happening during the early 20th century.