Elegant Society Portrait of Mrs. Howard Gould

This photograph features Mrs. Howard Gould, a notable figure in early 20th-century American society. Married to Howard Gould, a prominent financier and railroad magnate, she was often in the public eye due to her marriage and the extravagant lifestyle associated with the Gould family. The timeframe of this image likely falls within the 1900s, a period marked by significant social change and the rise of the American elite. Mrs. Gould represented the changing dynamics of gender roles during this era, as women began to assert more influence in social and cultural spheres.

While the exact date and location of the photograph aren’t specified, it’s evident that Mrs. Goulds image was captured by the Bain News Service, known for documenting influential people of the time. This image is a part of a larger trend where photography served not just as art, but as a record of societal shifts and individual stories. The glass negative format used for this picture provides a level of detail that enhances our understanding of early photographic techniques, which were crucial in preserving historical moments for future generations.