Elegant Soprano in Performance, 1915-1920

This photograph features the renowned opera singer, Amelita Galli-Curci, captured between 1915 and 1920. Galli-Curci, born in 1882 in Italy, rose to prominence as one of the leading soprano voices of her time. Known for her exceptional vocal range and passionate performances, she made her American debut at the Chicago Opera in 1908 and quickly became a beloved figure in the world of classical music. This image encapsulates a significant period in her career, reflecting the early 20th-century fascination with opera and celebrity culture.

The photograph was created by the Bain News Service, a prominent press agency that specialized in documenting significant figures and events of the era. The glass negative technique used in this image was common at the time, allowing for high-quality reproductions and a rich depth of detail. Galli-Curci’s influence extended beyond the opera stage; she was also one of the first classical performers to gain widespread fame through recording and radio, helping to broaden the audience for opera in America. This image not only serves as a portrait of a cultural icon but also highlights the evolving nature of photographic practices in documenting artistic figures during this transformative period in history.