Vintage Vaudeville Star Flora Zabelle Portrait

This glass negative photograph features Flora Zabelle, captured by the Bain News Service between 1910 and 1915. Flora Zabelle was an accomplished performer known for her work in vaudeville, the popular theatrical variety show format that flourished in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The image showcases the artistic stage presence that made Zabelle a prominent figure in entertainment circles of the time.

The Bain News Service was instrumental in documenting the cultural landscape of early 20th-century America, and this photograph exemplifies their focus on notable personalities of the period. The glass negative process used in this image was a common photographic technique of that era, allowing for detailed and clear images. This technology captured not just the likeness of Zabelle but also provided insights into the fashion and social customs of the time, reflecting the evolving role of women in performance arts.

Zabelles career highlights the vibrant entertainment scene of early 20th-century America, marked by the rise of vaudeville and its influence on modern theater and performance. This photograph stands as a historical record of an influential performer, offering a window into the past and the dynamic world of entertainment that shaped the era.