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

20+ Stunning Red Carpet Outfits That Caught Everyone’s Attention

As soon as a celebrity hit the red carpet, their outfits are all over the Internet. But sometimes you have to look closely at every little detail to appreciate their fascinating gowns.

Margot Robbie showed up to the Oscars after-party in a playful vintage corset embellished with tiny beads.

Lance Goldberg/Broadimage Entertainment/Broad Image/East News, Evan Agostini/Invision/East News

Thanks to the unusual cut of Emma Stone’s dress, it seemed that the actress was wearing one dress on top of another.

JERRY PEREZ / Avalon/Photoshot/East News

Rosamund Pike hit the red carpet carrying roses, but they were in the pockets of her fancy dress.

Fati Sadou/ABACAPRESS.COM/Abaca/East News

Nicole Kidman looked like a fairy tale bird in this intricate feathered dress.

CJ Rivera / Invision / East News

Blake Lively’s jumpsuit was so long that it looked like having 2 trains at once.

Evan Agostini / Invision / East News, Evan Agostini / Invision / East News

Valentina Ferrer’s dress seemed very chaste. But as soon as she turned sideways, it wasn’t anymore.

ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News, ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News

Sharon Stone’s classic pantsuit might well have been overlooked if it wasn’t for the big flower brooch.

Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News, Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News

At the Vanity Fair party, Diane Kruger wore one of the hottest trends — knee-high socks.

MICHAEL TRAN/AFP/East News

Anne Hathaway’s dress design made it look like she descended straight from the clouds.

ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News, ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News

Gwyneth Paltrow’s outfit looks quite ordinary at first glance. But when you start to look at it closely, you’ll spot see-through inserts and a bare belly.

JTMLA / Broadimage Entertainment / Broad Image / East News, JTMLA / Broadimage Entertainment / Broad Image / East News

At the Swarovski shop opening, model Ashley Graham sparkled with thousands of crystals.

NDZ / STAR MAX / IPx / Associated Press / East News, NDZ / STAR MAX / IPx / Associated Press / East News

The skirt of Sidney Sweeney’s outfit was decorated with a huge bow. And if you look closely, you can see a similar accessory on her hair.

Guerin Charles / ABACA / Abaca / East News, ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News

Naomi Campbell’s intricate collar has taken over the spotlight.

Vianney Le Caer / Invision / East News, Vianney Le Caer / Invision / East News

The mesmerizing pearl inset on Lily James’ dress draws attention like a magnet.

Vianney Le Caer / Invision / East News, Vianney Le Caer / Invision / East News

For the Vanity Fair party, Heidi Klum opted for a gold dress with multiple slits all over the length.

Lance Goldberg/Broadimage Entertainment/Broad Image/East News

Kate Hudson was simply irresistible in a dress that resembled a bouquet of flowers.

Evan Agostini / Invision / East News, Evan Agostini / Invision / East News

Chrissy Teigen also looked like an exotic flower thanks to the quirky decor of her dress.

Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News, Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News

Halle Berry’s gorgeous gown was spiced up by a daring double slit.

Evan Agostini / Invision / East News

Sienna Miller’s dress, inspired by the ’20s style, had an unexpected twist when she turned around.

ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News, Gilbert Flores / Broadimage Entertainment / Broad Image / East News

Carey Mulligan delighted everyone with a gorgeous two-color gown featuring a flowing drape from back to bottom.

IMAGO/Frederic Kern/Imago Stock and People/East News, Thomas Bohlen/Starface/STARFACE PHOTO /East News

At the premiere of Dune: Part Two, Zendaya caused a sensation by appearing on the red carpet dressed in armor.

Scott A Garfitt/Invision/East News

And here is a compilation of unique celebrity outfits that made a stylish splash.

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