Portrait of a French Syndicalist Leader, 1910-1915

This photograph captures Geo. Philibiss, a notable figure in the French syndicalist movement, during the early 20th century, specifically between 1910 and 1915. The glass negative was taken by the Bain News Service, a prominent agency known for documenting significant political and labor figures of the time. Philibiss was part of a broader movement that sought to address labor rights and advocate for the working class, emphasizing direct action and worker control over production.

Throughout this period, French syndicalism emphasized the importance of unions and grassroots organization as a means to achieve political and social change. Philibiss, like many of his contemporaries, believed in the power of collective action to challenge established economic structures. The context of this image shines a light on the eras labor struggles, illustrating a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for workers rights. By capturing these influential figures, the photograph serves as a valuable historical reference to understand the dynamics of social movements during this transformative period.