Abolitionist Button, ca. 1850s

Abolitionist Button is an early photography daguerreotype and gold photographic print created from between the 1840s to the 1850s. It lives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The image is in the public domain, and tagged jewelry and political work. This miniature daguerreotype shows two hands resting on a book. The photographContinue reading “Abolitionist Button, ca. 1850s”

40 Wonderful Portrait Photos of Women Posing With Their Books From the Mid-19th Century

Women formed a large and increasing part of the new novel-reading public. The traditional discrepancy between male and female literacy rates was narrowed, and finally eliminated by the end of the 19th century. The gap had always been the widest at the lowest end of the social scale. Perhaps more women than we realize couldContinue reading “40 Wonderful Portrait Photos of Women Posing With Their Books From the Mid-19th Century”

Animals in Daguerreotypes in the Early Years of Photography

Daguerreotypes, the first commercial form of photography, appeared in America around the year 1839. These were produced by first sensitizing a polished silvered copper plate with iodine vapor, and then exposing the plate to light. The image was developed over hot mercury, fixed, and rinsed. This was a direct positive process, meaning that no negativesContinue reading “Animals in Daguerreotypes in the Early Years of Photography”

35 Stunning Photos of Actress Allison Hayes during the 1950s

Born 1930 in Charleston, West Virginia, American actress and model Allison Hayes made her film debut in the 1954 comedy Francis Joins the WACS. Her second film, Sign of the Pagan, provided her with an important role in a relatively minor film. Released from her contract, she was signed by Columbia Pictures in 1955. ChicagoContinue reading “35 Stunning Photos of Actress Allison Hayes during the 1950s”

40 Amazing Color Photos Showing Life in the U.S. during the Late 1940s

Following World War II, the United States emerged as one of the two dominant superpowers, turning away from its traditional isolationism and toward increased international involvement. The United States became a global influence in economic, political, military, cultural, and technological affairs. The unprecedented growth of the U.S. economy translated into prosperity that resulted in millionsContinue reading “40 Amazing Color Photos Showing Life in the U.S. during the Late 1940s”

Mabel Love: One of the Great Stage Beauties in Late Victorian and Edwardian Eras

Mabel Love (16 October 1874 – 15 May 1953), was a British dancer and stage actress. She was considered to be one of the great stage beauties of her age, and her career spanned the late Victorian era and the Edwardian period. In 1894, Winston Churchill wrote to her asking for a signed photograph. AmongContinue reading “Mabel Love: One of the Great Stage Beauties in Late Victorian and Edwardian Eras”