In the mid 19 century, a variety of men had staged pictures of themselves taken at work, from artisans and clowns to engineers and preachers; they chose to have their lives represented by the day-to-day activities of their occupations. Subjects indicate…
The man of the late 19th century, no matter his social status, was sure to don a perfectly stylish and manicured mustache as a part of any proper gentlemen’s attire. During the Crimean War in the 1850s was when men started to really show off a variety of di…
Known as onna bugeisha, these female samurai who fought beside and against male samurais are an important part of Japan's military history. They were members of the bushi (warrior) class in feudal Japan and were trained in the use of weapons to protect thei…
At 240 feet (73 m) long by 62 feet wide (19 m) and reaching a height of 66 feet (20 m), the Great Sphinx is one of the largest statues in the world. Even the ancient Egyptians themselves were puzzled by the remote antiquity and purpose of the Great Sphi…
Victorians were known for their conservative way of life, but these portraits show that many men of that era were unafraid of showing affection. The provocative black-and-white 19th-century images show men posing in surprisingly intimate embraces. They …
As soon as the science of photography was perfected for use by the general public, artists and others began to manipulate the images. Photo manipulation was soon employed in numerous ways, as early photography had several limitations. Correct exposures …
Fashionable women's clothing in the 1890s moved away from the exaggerated styles of previous decades. Skirts were no longer as wide as in the 1850s or as bustled as in the late 1860s and mid-1880s. They were also not as tight as in the late 1870s. However, …
In the late 19th century, England was known for its wealth, but not everyone shared in its prosperity. Even though it was one of the richest countries, many neighborhoods, especially in London, were very poor. Around 35 percent of Londoners lived in pov…
In American history, the term "whipping" brings to mind a harsh and haunting punishment from the past. It was a brutal practice that left physical and emotional scars on countless people. Whipping is the act of beating the human body with special implements…
A photographic portrait of a couple serves as a public affirmation of their love and partnership. It conveys a clear message to the world: "We love each other. We care deeply for one another. We take pride in who we are together." In the late 19th and early…
These endearing snapshots capture the carefree spirit of roller-skating girls, showcasing their charm, elegance, and boundless joy. Rediscover the simple pleasures and timeless appeal of these young skaters from days gone by. The inception of roller skating…
In the bygone era, a remarkable chapter in history unfolded, centered around the dedicated men known as the icemen. These individuals embarked on a crucial mission to deliver blocks of ice, playing an indispensable role in a time before the widespread avail…
In this article, we invite you to travel back in time to Athens of the 19th century, a city of stark contrasts and rapid development. Through a rare collection of amazing photographs, we'll explore the old neighborhoods, the Parthenon, and the many other ic…
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America. It is also one of the largest Chinese enclaves outside Asia. Since its establishment in 1848, it has been important and influential in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese …
Mining coal has always been a dangerous and challenging occupation, requiring workers to dig deep underground, often in cramped and dangerous conditions. In this article, we present a collection of vintage photos that offer a glimpse into the daily stru…
Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous and beloved natural wonders. Every year, millions of people flock to see its majesty and power, but few get to witness it during the winter months when it freezes over, turning into an icy, otherworldly landscape…
Sculptures are one of the oldest visual art forms in existence and one of the most publicly visible forms of artwork. It has been around for thousands of years, and it’s an art that can be created in a variety of materials, such as stone, wood, bronze, and…
The 19th century was an interesting time for hair and fashion in general. Many cultural changes were occurring, and Europe and America alike saw many integral style periods, all of which gave birth to hairstyles of their own. The women who lived during the …
At the beginning of the 1900s, leisure travel in general was something experienced exclusively by the wealthy and elite population. In the early-to-mid-20th century, trains were steadily a popular way to get around. Through these vintage photos, we can s…
A boom in New York’s population in the mid-to-late 1800s led to the rise of tenement housing in lower Manhattan. Tenements were low-rise buildings with multiple apartments, which were narrow and typically made up of three rooms. Because rents were low, te…