Elegant Society Gathering: 1910s Cultural Icons

This photograph captures Ethel Barrymore, a celebrated stage actress, alongside Mme. Alda and Mrs. O. Harriman during a period of significant cultural evolution in the early 20th century. Taken between 1915 and 1920, the image showcases prominent women who were influential in the arts and society. Ethel Barrymore, often referred to as the First Lady of the American Theatre, was known for her powerful performances and became one of the leading figures in American drama.

Madame Alda, a renowned opera singer, contributed to the expanding landscape of performing arts during this era. Meanwhile, Mrs. O. Harriman was the wife of the influential financier E.H. Harriman and was active in social and philanthropic endeavors. The photograph, produced by the Bain News Service, serves not just as a visual record of these prominent personalities, but also reflects the dynamic intersections of art, culture, and society during a transformative time in American history.