Elegant Portrait of Gertrude Coghlan, 1908

This glass negative captures Gertrude Coghlan, a notable figure in early 20th-century American theater. Born in 1874, Coghlan enjoyed a successful career as an actress, appearing in various stage productions. Her work contributed to the evolution of American theater, a vibrant landscape that was rapidly changing with the emergence of new styles and storytelling methods during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The photograph was taken on December 5, 2008, serving as a preservation of a significant moment in her life or career, though it reflects a retrospective perspective of her legacy rather than her contemporary presence. Through this image, viewers can appreciate the historical context of performance art during her time and how artists like Coghlan navigated the complexities of stagecraft and audience reception, shaping the future of American performance.