Vintage Portrait of Champ Clark, U.S. House Leader

This glass negative features Champ Clark, who served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1911 to 1919. Clark, a prominent Democratic politician from Missouri, played a key role during a transformative period in American politics, advocating for progressive reforms and fiscal policies that shaped the nation. His leadership coincided with significant events, such as the passage of the Underwood Tariff and the Federal Reserve Act, both central to the economic landscape of the early 20th century.

Captured between 1915 and 1920 by the Bain News Service, this photograph reflects the rise of news photography as a medium that brought political figures closer to the public. During Clark’s tenure, the nation faced World War I and the complexities of modern governance, making images like this vital for informing citizens. The precision of glass negatives also allowed for high-quality images that were essential for publications of the era, marking a significant evolution in visual journalism.