Jack Beeson was an American composer, remembered best for his operas Lizzie Borden, Hello Out There!, and The Sweet Bye and Bye. He also taught a number of notable students, including Charles Wuorinen and Joan Tower.

The photograph is by the Pach Brothers, German immigrants who opened a studio in New York in 1866 and took thousands of portraits, including some of American presidents. The business remained operational until 1994.