Historic Portrait of a U.S. Ambassador (1915-1920)

The photograph captures H. Morgenthau during the years between 1915 and 1920, taken by the Bain News Service. Morgenthau, a prominent figure in American history, served as the U.S. ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1913 to 1916, a turbulent time marked by the onset of World War I and the Armenian Genocide. His tenure was crucial as he reported on the plight of the Armenian people, advocating for their rights and garnering international attention toward their suffering.

This image, produced on a glass negative, illustrates the early 20th-century technique of photography that required careful handling and exposure. The Bain News Service played a significant role in documenting contemporary events and personalities, providing a visual record that historians rely on to gain insights into that era. Morgenthau’s presence in this photograph underscores his influential role during a critical moment in history, emphasizing his commitment to humanitarian causes amidst global conflict.