50 Iconic and Rare Historical Photographs

We at HistoryColored have decided to curate 50 interesting, rare and iconic photos from history. There are many reasons why a photograph may be featured on this list. Some of the reasons include: it was the first time something was ever captured on camera, it shows a famous figure from history, the image depicts an important historical event, it is a “rare” photo that does not get shared as much as it should, or it is an “iconic” historical photo. It may not fall under any of these categories but can still be featured in this list for a different reason.

These photographs are in no particular order. They have been curated and added to the list over a long period of time, so no decision was taken on how they should be ordered. Be sure to take the time to check out every historical photograph featured on this list!

As well as this list, be sure to check out the other photos featured on HistoryColored!

1. The First Photograph Ever Taken, 1826 or 1827

The first photograph in history, the view from a window at Le Gras in 1826 or 1827.
The oldest surviving photograph to exist. It was taken by pioneer photographer, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. The scene depicts a view from a window in Nicéphore Niépce’s estate known as Le Gras in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, Bourgogne, France in 1826 or 1827. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

2. General William Tecumseh Sherman, circa 1865

Side profile photograph of General William Tecumseh Sherman in his Union Army military uniform in c. 1865
Side profile of Union Army Major General, and the Commanding General of the US Army, William Tecumseh Sherman, in his Union Army military uniform in circa 1865. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

3. Dali Atomicus, 1948

Salvador Dali suspended in mid air along with other objects within the iconic photograph Dali Atomicus taken in 1948
The photographic artwork by Philippe Halsman called “Dali Atomicus” showing three cats water, an easel, a chair, and Salvador Dalí all frozen in mid-air, 1948. This was the 28th attempt at taking this photograph. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

4. The Solvay Conference on Quantum Mechanics, 1927

Key attendees of the 1927 Solvay conference photographed sitting down and in suits. The names are Auguste Piccard, Émile Henriot, Paul Ehrenfest, Édouard Herzen, Théophile de Donder, Erwin Schrödinger, Jules-Émile Verschaffelt, Wolfgang Pauli, Werner Heisenberg, Ralph Howard Fowler, Léon Brillouin,
Peter Debye, Martin Knudsen, William Lawrence Bragg, Hendrik Anthony Kramers, Paul Dirac, Arthur Compton, Louis de Broglie, Max Born, Niels Bohr,
Irving Langmuir, Max Planck, Marie Skłodowska Curie, Hendrik Lorentz, Albert Einstein, Paul Langevin, Charles Eugène Guye, Charles Thomson Rees Wilson, Owen Willans Richardson
The 1927 Solvay Conference on Quantum Mechanics at the Institut International de Physique Solvay in Brussels, Belgium. This image features many of the greatest scientists in modern history. Some of those that you may recognize are: Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Max Planck, Niels Bohr, and Auguste Piccard. See the full list of names here. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

5. King George V & Tsar Nicholas II Together, 1913

Nicholas II of Russia photographed alongside similar looking and cousin King George V of the United Kingdom, while wearing military uniform.
First cousins and royals Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (left) & King George V of the United Kingdom (right) photographed together wearing military uniforms in Berlin, Germany, 1913. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

6. The Manhattan Bridge Under Construction, 1909

Photographs of the Manhattan Bridge under construction. You can see the layout of the bridge but there is still a lot to build. March 23 1909.
The construction of the Manhattan Bridge on the East River in New York City. This photograph was taken on March 23, 1909. The bridge finished construction in 1909 and first opened up on the 31st of December 1909. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

7. Soviet Prisoner of War, 1940

An injured Prisoner of War from the Soviet Union with a bandage around his bloody head, with clothing wrapped around his body. He looks cold as he is near the Arctic Circle where temperatures can get to -43 degrees Celsius
An injured Soviet Prisoner of War (POW) dressed in new clothes near the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland, during the Winter War on the 6th of January 1940. Credit: Military Museum of Finland // CC BY 4.0

8. Dr. Wernher von Braun with 5 F-1 Engines

Aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun standing next to five F-1 rocket engines in 1969.
Dr. Wernher von Braun, an aerospace engineer that was a leading figure in Nazi German rocket technology, and then United States rocket technology, photographed standing in front of five F-1 rocket engines in circa 1969. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domains

I Was Always Invisible Until the Most Handsome Man at Work Noticed Me but the Truth Shattered My Heart — Story of the Day

He never even knew my name until one day, he did. Suddenly, the most charismatic man in the office was everywhere, flashing his perfect smile and asking me out. But why now? Something didn’t add up. And when I finally discovered the reason, it shattered me.

When no one notices you, at first, it hurts. You try to change the situation. Then, you accept it. And eventually, you even find an advantage in it.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

That day, I sat at my desk, watching as my male colleagues swarmed around our new coworker, Claire.

She was obviously attractive, so their reaction wasn’t surprising. But when Mark approached her, the others quickly backed off.

I let out a quiet chuckle as I watched. Mark was the most handsome and charismatic man in the office—I was convinced even other men wouldn’t mind if he took them to bed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He flirted with Claire, and she giggled at his jokes, twirling a strand of her blonde hair around her finger.

At that moment, Anthony, my boss, approached me. “Sara, do you remember our new project?” he asked, glancing at the laptop screen in front of me.

“Yes, of course. I’m leading it,” I replied, adjusting my glasses.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m counting on you,” Anthony said with a nod, his tone full of expectation.

I worked at an IT company, and we were launching a new dating app. Anthony had chosen me to lead the project because, no matter how unnoticeable I was, my work results were the best.

He had also offered me an opportunity to work abroad at one of our other branches, but I declined, even though the salary would have been much higher.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

During lunch, I noticed an irritated Mark walking up to Anthony. Curious about what had upset our golden boy this time, I decided to eavesdrop.

“Who did you assign the dating app to?” Mark asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

“Sara. Is there a problem?” Anthony replied, sounding amused.

“Sara? We don’t have anyone by that name,” Mark scoffed, and I felt my jaw tighten.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“She’s sitting right over there,” Anthony said, pointing at me. I continued pretending not to hear them, keeping my eyes fixed on my screen.

“I thought I’d be handling the dating app. This isn’t fair,” Mark protested, folding his arms across his chest.

“To my office. Now,” Anthony ordered.

I finished my lunch just in time to see Mark walking out of Anthony’s office, looking pleased with himself.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I had no idea what they had discussed, but no one had told me I was off the project, so I remained calm, though a tiny seed of doubt had been planted in my mind.

The next day, Mark approached me with his signature smile, hovering over my desk like a shadow. I gave him a questioning look.

“Sonia…” he began, leaning in slightly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Sara,” I corrected him, not bothering to hide my irritation.

“Right. Sara.” He chuckled, as if amused by his own mistake. “Want to grab lunch together?” he asked, his voice dripping with casual charm.

“I already ate,” I replied flatly, typing away at my keyboard.

“Then how about a drink after work?” he suggested, tilting his head.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I turned to face him. “You didn’t even know my name a minute ago. I bet you didn’t even know I worked here,” I said, recalling his conversation with Anthony. “What’s this really about?”

“I just thought it’d be nice to hang out with a lovely colleague,” Mark said smoothly, flashing that infamous smirk that made other women melt.

I scoffed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, come on. It’ll be fun,” he insisted, his persistence almost amusing.

“I have a lot of work,” I said, turning back to my computer.

Mark lingered for a moment before sighing and walking away, but I could feel his eyes on me for a few seconds longer than necessary.

As usual, I stayed late at the office. But when I finally looked up from my screen, I was surprised to see Mark still there. Normally, by the time I finished, the office was empty.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stood up, gathered my things, and headed to the elevator. Mark did the same. He followed me, and the whole thing felt strange.

We stepped into the elevator, and it started moving. Then, suddenly, it stopped.

“What’s going on? Are we stuck?” I asked, pressing a few buttons.

“Looks like it,” Mark replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I pressed the emergency button and explained the situation. The response came: we’d have to wait about two hours.

Mark sighed and sat on the floor, stretching his legs out in front of him. After a moment, I did the same.

“So, tell me about yourself,” he said, tilting his head toward me.

“What?” I chuckled, raising an eyebrow.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What’s funny?” he asked, looking genuinely confused.

“Come on, I’ve worked here for years, and most people don’t even know I exist. Why the sudden interest?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“I’m just curious,” he said, shrugging.

“Then why don’t you tell me about yourself?” I countered, narrowing my eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, please. You probably know everything about me already,” Mark smirked. “Everyone does.”

That made me laugh again. “That confidence.”

“What? Is that a bad thing?” he asked, grinning.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“No, not if it’s real. But being invisible has given me an advantage—I notice things. And you, Mark, are nothing but an act. A performer trying to mask his insecurities with fake confidence. So what’s behind all of it? Daddy issues? Mommy didn’t pay attention to you?” I asked, leaning back against the wall.

“Oh, screw you,” he muttered, rolling his eyes.

We sat in silence for a while until Mark finally spoke again.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“My dad left us when I was three. My mom raised me alone. Then, when I was a teenager, he suddenly came back and tried to mold me into his perfect son. I guess I’m still trying to prove something to him,” he admitted, his voice quieter than usual.

“I get it,” I said, my voice softer now.

Mark looked at me curiously.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“My mom left us. My dad raised me alone. But she never came back. The last time I saw her, I was thirteen. She told me she was ashamed I was her daughter because, at my age, she had been way more popular,” I said, my throat tightening slightly at the memory.

“She’s an idiot,” Mark said, shaking his head. “I asked Anthony about you. You have the best results in the company. I thought I did. And you’re beautiful, even if your lack of confidence hides it.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Guess everyone copes with trauma differently,” I said, managing a small smile.

“Guess so,” Mark replied.

Just then, the elevator started moving again. When we stepped out, Mark grabbed my wrist.

“How about that drink now?” he asked, his voice gentler than before.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“If you’re going to be the guy from the elevator, then fine. But if you’re putting the mask back on, I’ll pass,” I said, tilting my head slightly.

“I’ll try to be myself,” Mark promised.

And so, we went to a bar. Then the next day. And the next. Before I knew it, we were spending time together every day—even on weekends.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I saw a different side of Mark. The real him. The one who was afraid of spiders and teared up when a dog died in a movie.

One evening, I couldn’t resist anymore—I kissed him. And the moment I did, I knew it was right. With him, I felt like myself.

One day at the office, I stood outside Anthony’s office and heard voices inside. I hadn’t planned to listen, but I couldn’t help it.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I told you—I know how to win someone over,” Mark said.

“I didn’t think Sara would fall for it. But you win—the dating app project is yours,” Anthony replied.

“Thanks, but—” Mark started, but I wasn’t listening anymore.

I turned and rushed to the bathroom, locked the door, and leaned against it. My breath came in quick, uneven bursts. My hands shook. Tears slid down my face before I could stop them.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He had lied. He had tricked me to take my job. Every moment we had spent together had been a performance. And I was the fool who believed it. Worse—I had started falling for him.

I forced myself to breathe. I couldn’t fall apart now. Not over him.

I wiped my face, fixed my makeup, and straightened my blazer. Then, I walked straight to Anthony’s office.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, Sara, I was just about to talk to you,” he said, looking up from his desk.

“I’d like to accept your offer to work abroad. If it’s still available,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“It is. What changed your mind?” Anthony asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You were right—there are more opportunities for me there,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He studied me for a moment. “When can you leave?”

“Tomorrow,” I replied.

“Tomorrow? Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Alright, I’ll make the arrangements. You can take the rest of the day off to pack.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I thanked him and walked out. My hands clenched around my bag. I saw Mark heading toward me.

I didn’t slow down. I grabbed my things and stepped into the elevator before he could reach me.

By morning, I was in a taxi headed to the airport. Music played in my headphones, drowning everything else out.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I watched the city blur past. Then, in my window, I saw Mark’s car pull up alongside mine.

He motioned for me to roll down the window. I ignored him. He honked. Annoyed, I lowered it.

“What? Are you here to tell me more lies?” I shouted.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I know about your deal with Anthony. If I fell for you, you’d get the dating app project,” I said.

“No—I mean, yes, that was the deal. But not anymore. Everything changed when I started spending time with you,” Mark said.

“More lies! I can’t believe I fell for you, that I even started to have feelings for you!” I yelled.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Really?” Mark asked.

I just rolled up the window and turned away.

A second later, he swerved his car in front of mine, blocking the road. My taxi and other cars behind us came to a halt, their horns blaring in frustration.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

It was chaos. Mark hurried over, pulled open my door, and looked at me desperately.

“Listen to me,” he said. “I turned down the dating app project.”

“Don’t lie,” I said, stepping out of the taxi.

“I’m not lying. It’s the truth,” he insisted. “Please, don’t go.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“And why is that?” I asked.

“Because you’re the only person I can be real with. The only one I don’t have to pretend around,” Mark said. “That’s why I won’t let you get on that damn plane.”

“No one asked for your opinion,” I said.

“I’m falling for you too, Sara. Please,” he begged.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My mind screamed at me to get back in the taxi, go to the airport, and forget Mark.

But my heart had already decided. My feet moved before I could stop them, bringing me closer to him. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me.

“I see you, Sara. And I will never let you feel invisible again,” Mark whispered before kissing me again.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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