Timeless Portrait of Early 20th Century Journalism

This photograph features a portrait bust of A. Cahan, a notable figure in early 20th-century journalism and literature. Born in 1860, Abraham Cahan was the founding editor of the *Forward*, a prominent Yiddish-language newspaper that played a critical role in the Jewish immigrant community in America. Under his leadership, the *Forward* became not only a key source of news but also a platform for social and political discourse, advocating for workers rights and the importance of cultural identity.

Captured by a Bain News Service photographer, this image exemplifies the portrait photography techniques of the time, particularly through the use of glass negatives. Glass plate photography was popular before the widespread use of film due to its high resolution and detail. This method was instrumental in preserving the likenesses of influential individuals like Cahan, whose work influenced generations of journalists and advocates for social justice. Through this photograph, were offered a glimpse into the life of a man whose contributions to journalism and the Jewish community were profoundly impactful.