Historic 1918 Portrait of Elegant Society Women

This photograph, captured in 1918 by the Bain News Service, showcases three individuals: Valentine Tessier, Miss Copeau, and Jane Lory. Such images were common during this era, as glass plates were a popular medium for photography. The clarity and detail achieved in glass negatives made them a preferred choice for news outlets looking to document personalities and events of note. The Bain News Service played a significant role in providing visual content to newspapers across the United States during the early 20th century.

Valentine Tessier was not just any name; he was a notable figure, involved in the arts or public events of the time. Miss Copeau and Jane Lory also contributed to various cultural activities or movements, potentially linked to the social changes occurring around World War I. This period was marked by a significant transition in society, with individuals and groups advocating for various causes, including womens suffrage and civil rights. The interaction of these figures in the photograph represents a snapshot of the shifting cultural landscape in post-war America.

The creation of glass negatives like this one reflects the technological advancements of photography during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These innovations allowed for more complex and lifelike images that could capture the essence of the people and events of the time. In a world that was evolving rapidly, this photograph serves as a historical artifact, preserving a moment from a pivotal year in history.