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

Only girls understand

Some things in life don’t need explanations—they just are. And one of those things? The universal truth that girls wear lipstick when they go out but almost never at home. It’s an unspoken rule, a beauty enigma, and a habit that many women instinctively follow without even realizing it. But why does this happen? What makes lipstick an essential when stepping outside but unnecessary in the comfort of home? If you’re a woman, you already know. If you’re not, prepare to have your mind blown.

The Power of Lipstick: More Than Just Makeup

Lipstick isn’t just a cosmetic product—it’s a confidence booster, a style statement, and sometimes even a form of self-expression. A bold red, a soft nude, or a daring plum shade can change the entire vibe of an outfit. But as soon as the front door closes behind her, that carefully applied lipstick magically disappears.

Why? Because lipstick has a purpose. It’s meant to enhance, captivate, and complete a look. At home, there’s no need to impress, no social expectations, and no reason to keep reapplying something that will only fade while binge-watching Netflix.

The Effort Factor: Lipstick Is High Maintenance

Let’s be real—lipstick is work. Unlike other makeup products like foundation or mascara, lipstick requires upkeep. It smudges, it fades, it transfers onto everything from coffee cups to shirt collars. When out in public, women are willing to go through the effort of checking their reflection every so often, blotting, reapplying, and making sure it doesn’t bleed.

Video : Why Women Wear Lipstick?

At home? No, thank you. Who wants to deal with lipstick stains on pillows or the dreaded moment when you absentmindedly rub your lips and smear it across your face?

The Comfort Zone: Bare Lips Feel Better

There’s something freeing about being at home—shoes come off, hair gets tied up, and makeup? It either comes off completely or gets toned down to the bare minimum. Lipstick, in particular, can feel heavy or dry after a few hours. Even the best formulas leave a noticeable texture, and nothing beats the natural feeling of bare, hydrated lips.

A swipe of lip balm? Absolutely. A creamy lipstick that requires maintenance? Not so much.

Social Standards: Looking Good for the Outside World

Like it or not, there’s a certain societal pressure to look polished in public. Lipstick is one of the quickest ways to transform a look from “just woke up” to “put together” in seconds. Even on no-makeup days, a little lip color can make it seem like effort was made.

But when it’s just you, the couch, and your favorite hoodie, who’s there to judge? Nobody. And that’s the beauty of it—girls don’t wear lipstick at home because they don’t need to.

The Ritual of Getting Ready

For many women, putting on lipstick is part of the “getting ready” ritual. It signals the transition from home mode to outside mode. The moment that lipstick glides on, it’s game time—whether that means heading to work, going out for brunch, or just running errands.

At home, that ritual isn’t necessary. The absence of lipstick signifies relaxation, comfort, and an environment free of expectations.

The Science Behind It: Lipstick and Mood Psychology

Believe it or not, there’s actual psychology behind the lipstick phenomenon. Studies have shown that wearing lipstick can boost confidence and even influence perception. A red lip, for instance, has been linked to increased feelings of power and attractiveness.

But at home, where comfort takes priority over power moves, there’s no need for that extra confidence boost. Women aren’t trying to project anything—they’re just being themselves.

Video : 8 Lipstick Hacks Every Girl Should Know

The Unspoken Sisterhood: Every Girl Just Knows

This is one of those things that doesn’t need to be taught—it’s just understood. Ask any woman, and she’ll instantly get it. Lipstick is for the world outside; natural lips are for home. It’s not laziness, nor is it a rejection of beauty. It’s simply an unwritten rule of self-care and practicality.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered why the same girl who rocks a flawless lipstick outside suddenly ditches it the moment she steps through her front door, now you know. It’s a mix of comfort, practicality, and the simple joy of being makeup-free when no one’s watching.

Lipstick is a powerful tool, but at home, the only approval that matters is her own. And that’s a beauty rule only girls truly understand.

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