Elegant Portrait of Beatrice Von Brunner, 1910s

This photograph features Beatrice Von Brunner, likely taken between 1910 and 1915, during a time when portrait photography was becoming increasingly popular. Beatrice, a notable figure of her day, is presented in a manner typical of early 20th-century photography, which often emphasized clarity and detail. The technology of the time, particularly the use of glass negatives, allowed for sharp images and rich tonal ranges, which photographers like those at Bain News Service exploited to great effect.

The photograph is representative of the era’s evolving social landscape. By the 1910s, women were beginning to gain more visibility in various public spheres, including the arts and activism. This period was marked by significant changes, as suffragettes were fighting for womens right to vote, and women were increasingly participating in the workforce. Beatrice herself might have been involved in these movements or in the cultural shifts of her time. The style of her attire, poised expression, and careful composition reflect the standards of photography that not only captured individuals but also served as a means to document the societal transformations of the early 20th century.