Regal Portrait of W.K. Vanderbilt, Jr. - C. 1900

This photographic portrait features W.K. Vanderbilt, Jr., an influential American heir and philanthropist born in 1870. As the son of railroad magnate William Kissam Vanderbilt, he was part of one of the wealthiest families in the United States. The photograph captures him during a time when the Vanderbilts were synonymous with American high society. Known for his interest in yachting and passion for the arts, Vanderbilt played a significant role in the cultural and social movements of his era.

The image itself is a glass negative, a medium that was prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Glass negatives allowed for clearer and more detailed photographs compared to earlier methods. They were a key component in the evolution of photography, providing a precise way to document prominent figures and events. This particular portrait serves not only as a testament to early photographic techniques but also as a record of an individual whose life was closely tied to the lavish lifestyles and societal changes of his time.