Graceful Portrait of Edna De Lima, 1915-1920

This glass negative features Edna De Lima, a notable figure in early 20th-century American society, captured between 1915 and 1920 by the Bain News Service. De Lima was an influential artist and member of a prominent family in New York, known for her contributions to the arts and involvement in various cultural circles. The time period reflects a transition in the social landscape of America, where women were increasingly claiming their place in public life, particularly in the arts and social reform movements.

The photograph also exemplifies the glass plate negative technique, which was widely used before the introduction of more advanced photographic technologies. This method allowed for incredible detail and clarity, producing images that served both artistic and journalistic purposes. As part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, this image stands as a historical artifact, providing insight into the individuals who shaped the cultural fabric of the early 20th century.