The stiff expressions frozen in Victorian photographs have helped cement the idea of an era defined by severity and restraint. Those solemn faces, staring straight into the camera, often suggest a society devoid of humor or warmth. In reality, laughter a…
Long before modern society began challenging ideas about gender and sexuality, the women of the Ouled Naïl tribe in Algeria lived by a set of values that gave them remarkable independence. They earned their own fortunes, chose their partners freely, and eng…
Studio portraits of couples in the 1970s capture a unique mix of intimacy, style, and playful energy. Unlike the stiff, formal poses of previous decades, these photos often show couples relaxed and comfortable, bringing a sense of life and personality to th…
There’s something deeply haunting about seeing the final photographs of people who once captivated the world with their talent, presence, or power. These images, often taken just days, hours, or even minutes before their deaths, offer a rare and intimat…
One of the most unexpected figures to gain internet fame centuries after his time, Joseph Ducreux was an 18th-century French painter whose self-portraits have found new life in the digital age. Unlike the stiff, formal portraits typical of his era, Ducreux’…
Christopher J. McCandless, known by his chosen pseudonym Alexander Supertramp, remains one of the most polarizing adventurers of the modern era. His journey into the Alaskan wilderness and tragic demise have inspired countless people to reexamine their …
Dr. Harvey Cushing, renowned in part for Cushing’s Syndrome, was a pioneering figure in the field of neuroscience. He performed some of the earliest successful brain surgeries and was instrumental in advancing medical techniques. Above all, Cushing was t…
In 1907, when Annette Kellerman appeared on Revere Beach in a one-piece swimsuit ending in shorts above her knees, her bold choice created an uproar. Her legs, visible and daring by the standards of the day, led to her arrest for indecency. Yet those same l…
Mourning dress is most commonly associated with the Victorian era, despite being a part of wardrobes for centuries prior. This period's prominence in the history of mourning attire is largely due to Queen Victoria, who famously wore mourning dress for forty…
The term "banality of evil," introduced by political theorist Hannah Arendt, captures the disturbing notion that ordinary people can perpetrate horrific acts. The portraits of the Bergen-Belsen camp guards provide a haunting illustration of this concept. …
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…
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 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…
Death masks are fascinating but slightly haunting relics from an age before photos. Until cameras rendered them redundant, it was common for notable people to have metal, wax or plaster applied to their face when they had died, creating a “death mask”. …
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 …
It’s 1918 and France was caught in the final year of World War I. American photographer Lewis Hine traveled across the country for the American Red Cross, documenting their work with refugees, orphans, and wounded soldiers. Lost for decades, his poignant w…
These photographs of Peking, now known as Beijing, taken by Thomas Child in the 1870s and 1880s are a window of the old China. In May of 1870, Thomas Child was hired by the Imperial Maritime Customs Service to be a gas engineer in Peking (Beijing). The …
The early 1990s marked a shift in fashion that was a refreshing contrast to the extravagant styles of the previous decade. As the world adapted to a more subdued economic environment, the everyday fashion of young women became more relaxed, casual, and, mos…
Imagine stepping into the past, a journey to 19th-century England. On canvas, a lone cow stands in the midst of a tranquil countryside—a familiar sight, but with a twist. This is the puzzle of 'England's rectangular cows,' an artistic mystery that has intri…
Victorian postmortem photography was a somber yet intriguing practice that emerged during the 19th century. This unique form of portraiture involved capturing images of deceased individuals shortly after their passing. Intended to serve as lasting mementos …