Elegant Portrait of Early 20th Century Woman

This photograph features Mrs. B. B. Tillman, Jr., captured on January 12, 1909, by Bain News Service. During this time, Mrs. Tillman was likely an example of the changing roles of women in early 20th-century America, as many women were beginning to advocate for social reform and suffrage. The context of this era was marked by significant shifts in societal norms, where women were increasingly stepping into public and political life.

The image reflects the fashion and aesthetics of the time, indicative of the early Progressive Era, when issues surrounding women’s rights and civil liberties were gaining traction. Events like the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 had set the stage for a century of change, and by 1909, women were more visible in movements aimed at economic and social reforms. This photograph, preserved as a glass negative, serves not only as a visual artifact but also as a reminder of the determination and resilience of women striving for change.