Joseph Nicéphore Niépce’s invention of the camera in 1826 pictorially preserved a portion of visual history that otherwise would have been lost. Still, those pictures left out many details as they forced us to see the world in shades of black or white. With the help of newly developed software, we can colorfully recreate historical photographs and understand how things looked back then. Let’s have a look at some of them!
Frank Sinatra’s Arrest, 1938
On November 27, 1938, Frank Sinatra was arrested in Bergen County, New Jersey, for “seduction” and “adultery.” He was accused of engaging in an affair with a single woman under the false promise of marriage, a charge later reduced to “adultery” when it emerged she was married. Sinatra spent a few hours in jail before being released on bail, and the charges were eventually dismissed.
Billie Holiday And Mister, 1947
Billie Holiday, known as “Lady Day,” was an influential American jazz and blues singer. The singer was also known for her love of animals, especially her beloved dog, Mister, who was a constant companion.
Salvador Dali, 1954
Salvador Dalí was a renowned Spanish surrealist artist famous for his eccentric and imaginative works. His most iconic painting, “The Persistence of Memory” (1931), features melting clocks. Dalí’s art is characterized by dreamlike and bizarre imagery. Besides painting, he worked in sculpture, film, and photography, profoundly impacting 20th-century art.
James Dean In “Giant”, 1956
James Dean was an iconic American actor known for his rebellious roles in the 1950s. His portrayal of Jett Rink in “Giant” showcased his versatility and depth, earning him a posthumous Academy Award nomination. Dean’s intense performance in the film highlighted his ability to capture complex, brooding characters. Tragically, his promising career was cut short by a fatal car accident at the age of 24.
Newly-Engaged John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier, 1953
Senator J.F.K. and Bouvier announced their engagement on June 24, 1953. Kennedy, a rising political star, and Bouvier, a journalist and socialite, met at a dinner party in 1952. Their engagement marked the beginning of a partnership that would become central to American history.
Unveiling the Mona Lisa at the End of World War II, 1945
As World War II concluded, the Mona Lisa was carefully unpacked from its wartime hiding place in the Château de Chambord, France. Hidden to protect it from Nazi looting, the masterpiece was carefully transported back to the Louvre. Its uncrating marked a triumphant return, symbolizing cultural resilience amidst the chaos of war.
The Visit of The Giraffe women in London, 1935
In 1935, the “Giraffe Women” from the Kayan tribe in Myanmar visited London, drawing significant public attention. Noted for their elongated necks adorned with brass coils, they fascinated onlookers with their unique cultural tradition. Their presence in London underscored the era’s fascination with exoticism and the human curiosity about different cultural practices.
Fokin & Fokina, Cleopatra Ballet Costumes, Stockholm, 1914
Choreographer Michel Fokine and costume designer Aleksandra Fokina collaborated on the iconic costumes for the Cleopatra ballet in Stockholm, 1914. Their designs, with intricate detailing and vibrant colors, epitomized the lavishness and elegance of ancient Egypt. Fokin and Fokina’s creations not only complemented the dancers’ movements but also transported audiences to a mesmerizing world of opulence and grace.
King Ferdinand and Queen Marie of Romania Arriving in the UK on A State Visit, 1924
On May 12, 1924, King Ferdinand and Queen Marie of Romania visited Dover, UK, with their presence for a highly anticipated state visit. Their arrival was met with great pomp and ceremony as crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the royal couple. This visit marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two nations, fostering goodwill and strengthening bonds of friendship.
Frances Benjamin Johnston, Self-Portrait (As New Woman), 1896
Frances Benjamin Johnston’s 1896 self-portrait captures the essence of the “New Woman” movement, which challenged traditional gender roles. In the photograph, Johnston confidently poses in masculine attire, smoking a cigarette and exuding freedom and self-assurance. Her direct gaze challenges societal norms and is a bold declaration of autonomy and defiance against conventional expectations.
Wedding rings the Nazis removed from their victims to salvage the gold.
During the Holocaust, Nazis plundered wedding rings from their victims. These rings, imbued with love and commitment, were callously melted down for gold symbolizing a stolen future and a life brutally extinguished. Today, these rings serve as poignant reminders of the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust and depths of human depravity.
Wojtek the Bear with a fellow soldier, Iran, 1942
Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear, was found by Polish soldiers during World War II. Rescued as a cub, he became a beloved mascot of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. He helped carry artillery shells during battles, even becoming an official soldier with a rank. After the war, he lived in the Edinburgh Zoo until his death in 1963.
The filming of Casablanca, 1942
The filming of Casablanca in 1942 was an intense experience, with the cast and crew working tirelessly to create a masterpiece. Amidst the chaos of World War II, the film’s star, Humphrey Bogart, also contributed to the war effort by supporting the Allied cause through his acting and public appearances, cementing his legacy as not only a talented actor but also a patriot dedicated to his country’s service.
Norwegian civilians saved by the Royal Navy, 1945
During World War II, the Royal Navy rescued 500 Norwegian civilians hiding from the Germans on Sørøya island. The daring rescue operation involved navigating treacherous waters and evading enemy patrols to reach the stranded civilians. The Royal Navy saved the lives of countless individuals amidst the chaos of war.
President John Quincy Adams, captured by Philip Haas in 1843
John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, served from 1825 to 1829. Son of President John Adams, he was a skilled diplomat, negotiating the end of the War of 1812 and the Treaty of Ghent. Despite his accomplishments, his presidency faced opposition and controversy, notably the “corrupt bargain” with Henry Clay.
