Historic Portrait of Early 20th Century Banker

This photograph captures Herbert Satterlee, an influential figure in American banking and finance, on March 31, 1913. Taken by the Bain News Service, the image showcases a time when photojournalism was emerging as a crucial method for documenting the lives of prominent individuals. As the president of the American Bankers Association and an integral part of New Yorks financial community, Satterlee played a key role in shaping banking policies and practices during a transformative era in American economic history.

The early 20th century was marked by significant changes in the banking industry, including the establishment of the Federal Reserve System in 1913. Satterlee’s influence extended beyond mere finance; he was involved in various philanthropic efforts that aimed to improve societal conditions. The photograph highlights both Satterlee as an individual and the eras journalistic techniques, showcasing how the newly developed glass plate negatives were utilized to capture clear, detailed images that made their way into newspapers and magazines, influencing public perception at the time.

This image not only documents Satterlee’s likeness but also serves as a snapshot of the evolving world of media in the early 1900s. As the public increasingly relied on visual narratives, such photographs played a vital role in bringing the stories of influential figures into everyday life, helping to forge connections between them and the wider community.