Elegant Portrait of an Early 20th Century Woman

This historical photograph features Violet Kimball, an individual whose specific context isnt widely documented but reflects early 20th-century American society. Taken by Bain News Service, a prominent New York City-based photographic agency known for chronicling notable events and figures of its time, the image showcases the early use of glass negatives, a format widely used before the advent of more modern photography techniques. Glass negatives offered high fidelity and detail, allowing for a clearer representation of subjects like Kimball.

The work of Bain News Service provides a glimpse into the personalities and realities of the early 1900s. During this era, photography was evolving rapidly, with professional photographers capturing everything from celebrity portraits to everyday life. While the precise date of this photograph is unknown, Kimballs image stands as a testament to the cultural and social narratives of the time, reflecting a period marked by both change and continuity in American life.