Pola Negri (1897-1987) was a stage and film actress. She was the first ever European actress to be signed with a Hollywood studio. 

Edward Steichen’s portrait of Pola Negri is a close-up of her face. She is wearing a shiny headdress, intensely staring into the camera. Some white flowers are placed in the foreground, emphasising the black and white contrast and the different textures in the photograph.