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

A Sales Assistant Told My Wife She Wasn’t ‘Pretty Enough’ to Work in Their Store — I Returned a Few Days Later for the Perfect Revenge

A store assistant dared to bring MY wife to tears by being mean. She did that all because my spouse sought employment at the establishment she worked at. After hearing my wife’s tale, I took action to redress the situation. What I did ensured that the assistant would think twice when addressing anyone else!

An emotional woman crying | Source: Pexels

An emotional woman crying | Source: Pexels

This is an exciting tale about pure and sweet revenge! My name is Thomas, and Emma, my wife, has ALWAYS had an eye for fashion. Her wardrobe is a testament to her impeccable taste. Not that I am biased or showing off, but my Emma knows all there is to know about the latest trends!

I mean, most days, she’s the one who dresses me. No, not because I am sexist and think it’s her job, but because she LOVES doing that. And to be honest, I look FANTASTIC each time, so I’m NOT complaining!

A woman picking out clothes for a man | Source: Pexels

A woman picking out clothes for a man | Source: Pexels

For years, my wife skirted around her true passion. She did all sorts of jobs. Like being a receptionist, and a nurse at one point (sadly short-lived), and even dabbled in art. But she still couldn’t find her place.

Recently, my beloved wife decided to turn her passion for fashion (see what I did there) into a career. She started actively searching for a job in retail. Her thinking was that it would fit perfectly with her interests.

A woman dressed up and posing in a store | Source: Pexels

A woman dressed up and posing in a store | Source: Pexels

When she got home all emotional one day, she told me the story of what happened. Emma explained that on that fateful day, she was at the shopping center in the afternoon. She then noticed a famous lingerie store with a “Now Hiring” poster on the window.

Excited, she revealed, “I immediately went inside to inquire! But boy, was I in for the shock of my life.” She shared how her excitement started dying down when she approached the sales assistant and tried to speak to her.

A store assistant sticking a "Now Hiring" sign | Source: Freepik

A store assistant sticking a “Now Hiring” sign | Source: Freepik

The rude woman didn’t even glance my wife’s way until she was DIRECTLY in front of her! A bit down but still quite enthusiastic, Emma asked about the job application process. Instead, the assistant looked her up and down with a sneer and an attitude. Then she delivered the stinging words:

“Look, hun, I don’t think you’re pretty enough for this job. NO CHANCE. Don’t even try, okay?”

A store assistant with an attitude | Source: Pexels

A store assistant with an attitude | Source: Pexels

Before calming down enough to be able to tell me her story, my lovely wife was in tears when she came home. She was heartbroken by the cruel remark. I’ve never seen my wife so utterly devastated before, and my heart broke seeing her that way.

I wrapped my arms around her, trying to console her. “My love, don’t let her get to you. You’re beautiful and talented. You’re worth so much more than her words,” I said softly. “But why would she say that?” Emma sobbed. “I just wanted to apply for a job. I didn’t deserve that.”

A man comforting his crying wife | Source: Pexels

A man comforting his crying wife | Source: Pexels

“She’s a small-minded person, my angel,” I tried consoling my wife. Seeing her so dejected made me FURIOUS! No one, and I mean NOBODY, should make my Emma feel this way, treat her that badly, and get away with it!

And you know what? As anger took over me, I figured it was high time someone showed that nasty assistant how wrong she was! I decided to give that sales assistant a lesson in humility she would NEVER forget!

A man contemplating something | Source: Pexels

A man contemplating something | Source: Pexels

Over the next couple of days, I concocted a plan. I reached out to my friend Mike, who works in the fashion industry, to get his help. Mike was more than willing to assist when he heard what had happened.

“That’s unbelievable, man. Of course, I’ll help. Let’s give her a taste of her own medicine,” Mike said over the phone. A few days later, my plan was set in motion. I dressed well, with the help of my Emma, and headed back to the lingerie store.

A happy man holding a beverage and talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

A happy man holding a beverage and talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

I had done my research enough to make sure the same sales assistant was working on that day. I then started pretending to browse the aisles, waiting for the perfect moment. When the store had only a few customers, I approached the assistant with a friendly smile.

“Hello, I’m looking to buy something special for my wife. Could you help me pick out a few things?” I asked. Her attitude changed immediately, seeing a potential big sale. She became attentive and started showing me various items.

A man browsing in a lingerie store | Source: Midjourney

A man browsing in a lingerie store | Source: Midjourney

“Absolutely, sir! We have a fantastic selection. What’s the occasion?” she asked, her tone now sweet as we went around the store. “Just a surprise for my wife. I want to get her something really special,” I replied, pretending to be thoughtful.

“Great! How about this piece? It’s one of our most popular items,” she suggested, holding up a delicate lace set. “Do you think this would look good on her?” I asked, examining the lingerie. “Oh, definitely! It’s one of our best sellers. Your wife will love it,” she assured me.

A store assistant working | Source: Pexels

A store assistant working | Source: Pexels

“Can you show me a few more options? I want to make sure I get the perfect one,” I said, keeping her engaged. As she showed me more pieces, I made small talk to keep her invested. “So, how long have you been working here?” I inquired.

“About six months,” she replied. “It’s a great job if you have the right look for it.” I nodded, pretending to be interested. “That’s interesting. Do they hire often?”

“Only when they really need someone. They’re picky about who they bring on,” she said with a hint of pride.

A man talking to a store assistant | Source: Midjourney

A man talking to a store assistant | Source: Midjourney

After about thirty minutes, I told her I needed to step outside to call my wife for her opinion on one of the items. Instead of calling Emma, I called my friend Mike. He arrived quickly to enact his part of the plan.

We walked back into the store together. My pal approached the sales assistant and introduced himself. “Hi there,” Mike began, extending his hand. “I’m Mike Gladstone, a talent scout for a major fashion brand.”

A man reaching out to shake someone's hand | Source: Freepik

A man reaching out to shake someone’s hand | Source: Freepik

He acted impressed with the store, hinting it was a great place to find fresh talent. “I’ve been looking for someone with a unique look and a great personality. Do you think you might have anyone like that here?”

The assistant’s eyes widened with excitement. “Oh, really? Well, I’ve been told I have a great look for this sort of thing,” she said, clearly thinking this was her big break. Mike gave her a critical once-over and shook his head.

A man contemplating something | Source: Freepik

A man contemplating something | Source: Freepik

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think you quite fit what we’re looking for,” he replied. “We need someone who STANDS OUT in the right way, you understand?” The assistant looked UTTERLY crushed!

Before she could respond, Mike turned to me. “What about you?” he asked, gesturing towards me. “You have an interesting look. Have you ever considered modeling?” The assistant’s jaw dropped! She was completely taken aback!

A shocked woman | Source: Freepik

A shocked woman | Source: Freepik

I smiled and replied, “No, but I do have someone in mind who would be perfect for your campaign.” Without missing a beat, I said, “My wife, Emma. She’s stunning, confident, and absolutely beautiful inside and out.”

Mike nodded enthusiastically. “I’d LOVE to meet her. Let’s set up an interview.” I turned to the assistant, who was now pale and visibly shaken. Looking straight into her eyes to get the message across, I said:

“You know, it’s funny how perceptions can be so misleading. Maybe next time, YOU’LL think twice before judging someone based on their looks.”

A man talking to a female store assistant | Source: Midjourney

A man talking to a female store assistant | Source: Midjourney

As we walked out, I could feel the assistant’s eyes burning into my back. Emma met with Mike later. Although she didn’t pursue modeling, the experience gave her a much-needed confidence boost.

“So, how did it go?” I asked my wife when she came back from her meeting with my friend. “It was AMAZING, actually! Mike was so kind and professional!” she beamed. “He said I had real potential,” she said, her face glowing with happiness.

A happy woman lying on a bed | Source: Pexels

A happy woman lying on a bed | Source: Pexels

“I told you, darling! You have everything it takes,” I replied, hugging her tightly. That evening, Emma and I sat down for dinner, reflecting on the events. “I can’t believe you did all that for me,” she said, holding my hand across the table.

“I’d do anything for you, my love. No one gets to make you feel less than you are,” I said firmly.

A happy couple talking | Source: Pexels

A happy couple talking | Source: Pexels

A week later, we were back at the shopping center. This time, Emma walked with newfound confidence. As we passed by the lingerie store, I couldn’t help but glance inside. The sales assistant was there, looking as if she was still recovering from the shock.

“Want to go in and browse?” I teased Emma. She laughed, shaking her head. “I’ve had enough of that store for a lifetime!” We continued walking, hand in hand, knowing that sometimes, the best revenge isn’t just a clever plan. It’s lifting up the ones you love and helping them see their true worth.

A happy couple having beverages at a shopping center | Source: Pexels

A happy couple having beverages at a shopping center | Source: Pexels

So, that’s my story. Sometimes, the best way to handle things is to make someone realize how wrong they were in the most public and humiliating way possible. And trust me, seeing the look on that sales assistant’s face was something I’ll remember forever!

Two men pleased with themselves | Source: Freepik

Two men pleased with themselves | Source: Freepik

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