vintage images

The tea-tax-tempest, or the Anglo-American revolution, British Cartoon...

Print shows a satire expressing a Continental European view of the American Revolution, showing Father Time using a magic lantern to project the image of a teapot exploding among frightened British troops as Am... More

[Postcard, 1882 Nov. 29], Wien [to] Ed. Hanslick

[Johannes Brahms]. (statement of responsibility) Holograph. An autograph postcard of Johannes Brahms, written to Eduard Hanslick, music critic, aesthetician, musicologist, and Austrian civil servant. The materi... More

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, 19th centu...

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, free to use, no copyright restrictions

Postcard from Mabel Hubbard Bell to Alexander Graham Bell, 1876

Wouldn't the founders of the nation be surprised if they could see how...

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is the federal agency responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the U.S. Capitol building,... More

The parricide A sketch of modern patriotism.

Print shows a woman wearing a feathered headdress, representing "America", stepping on Britannia's broken spear and shield, she lunges from the left, at the direction of John Wilkes, toward "Britannia" who is b... More

[Daniel Webster, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly right]

Federalist Congressman from New Hampshire, 1813-1817; Whig Congressman from Massachusetts, 1823-1827; Whig Senator from Massachusetts, 1827-1841, 1845-1850; Secretary of State, 1841-1843, 1850-1852. Facing the... More

[Postcard, 1873 Aug. 11], Tutzing [to] Herman[n] Levi

J. Br. [Johannes Brahms]. (statement of responsibility) Holograph, signed. An autograph postcard of Johannes Brahms, written to Hermann Levi, conductor. The material described in this catalog record is located ... More

[Postcard, 1877 Dec. 3], Wien [to] Herman[n] Levi

J. Br. [Johannes Brahms]. (statement of responsibility) Holograph, signed. An autograph postcard of Johannes Brahms, written to Hermann Levi, conductor. Published in: Johannes Brahms in Briefwechsel mit Hermann... More

Cartoon. - Political cartoon, public domain image

Picryl description: Public domain vintage artistic photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

[Jacob Collamer, half-length portrait, three-quarters to left]

Whig Congressman from Vermont, 1843-1849; U.S. Postmaster General, 1849-1850; Republican Senator, 1855-1865. Identification from engraving by A.H. Ritchie, Daguerd. by Brady, N.Y., engraved for the American Rev... More

Balloon ascension to the presidential chair

Reflecting Whig preelection confidence in the campaign of 1844, the artist portrays that party's ascendancy over the Democrats in the race for the presidency. Bucholzer uses the metaphor of a hot-air balloon ra... More

[Panoramic photo showing Trinity Church, Hotel Westminster, east end o...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of a historic hotel building, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Postcard, 1882 July24], Ischl [to] Robert Keller

J. Brahms. (statement of responsibility) Holograph, signed. An autograph postcard of Johannes Brahms, written to Robert Keller, music editor. Published in: The Brahms-Keller correspondence. Lincoln : University... More

[Unidentified man, about 25 years of age, three-quarter length portrai...

Alternative identification: Hon. William Mitchell (cat. 5). Scratched on face of plate: 245; Wm. Mitchell. Scratched on back of plate: 261. Transfer; U.S. War College; 1920; (DLC/PP-1920:46153). Forms part of:... More

John Bull making a new batch of ships to send to the lakes / Charles, ...

A satire on British efforts to recover after major naval losses on the Great Lakes in 1813 and 1814. According to Lanmon, it is based on Thomas Rowlandson's 1798 satire "High Fun for John Bull or the Republica... More

"The wandering jew" / Keppler. - Political cartoon, public domain imag...

Illustration shows South African President Paul Kruger wandering Europe in exile. Illus. in: Puck, v. 48, no. 1244 (1901 January 9), centerfold. Copyright 1901 by Keppler & Schwarzmann.

[Postcard, 1884 Sept. 15], Wien [to] Eduard Hanslick

J. Br. [Johannes Brahms]. (statement of responsibility) Holograph, signed. An autograph postcard of Johannes Brahms, written to Eduard Hanslick, music critic, aesthetician, musicologist, and Austrian civil serv... More

A picturesque view of the state of the nation for February 1778, Briti...

Cartoon shows America (represented by a man with feathered cap) cutting the horns off a cow (representing British commerce) which is being milked by a Dutchman, two men (representing France and Spain) are stand... More

The serenade - Public domain dedication image

(DLC/PP-1932:0029). Forms part of: Cabinet of American illustration (Library of Congress). Published as comic in: "The Serenade," Harper's bazaar, 22:916 (Dec. 14, 1889).

[Benjamin family group portrait, posed around a column]

From left to right: Cornelia Juliaette, Zina Hitchcock, Frances Antoinette, Samuel Clark, and Joanette. Case: Rinhart 9. Stamped on mat: Whitney, Roch. NY. Gift; Frances Benjamin Johnston. Forms part of: France... More

Britannias ruin, British Cartoon Print, Political Cartoon

Print shows Britannia lamenting her present state, her shield and broken lance by her side, "What a situation am I in sold by an American & purchased by France & Spain. Oh, wheres my Pitt." Four men are standin... More

The great exhibition of 1860. American Civil War 1861-1865.

The artist satirizes the antislavery orientation of the Republican platform. Abolitionist editor Horace Greeley (left) grinds his New York "Tribune" organ as candidate Abraham Lincoln (center, riding on a woode... More

Honest Abe taking them on the half shell

A pro-Lincoln satire. The Republican candidate ponders the miniature figures of northern and southern Democratic nominees Stephen A. Douglas (left) and John C. Breckinridge (right) which he holds before him on ... More

Black republican wood engraving, Library of Congress

Picture shows an African American man wearing dress clothes, holding his hat and gloves in his hands.

Stop Doctor I have a little account to settle with you

An old man in a nightgown and cap chases after a doctor who hurries ahead holding a walking stick. Inscribed above doctor: My old Patient come back again I declare I find there is no trusting to Nostrums. No co... More

[Postcard, 1892 March 29], Wien [to] Ed. Hanslick

J. Br. [Johannes Brahms]. (statement of responsibility) Holograph, signed. An autograph postcard of Johannes Brahms, written to Eduard Hanslick, music critic, aesthetician, musicologist, and Austrian civil serv... More

[Zachary Taylor and his cabinet, all seated except President Taylor]

Left to right: William Ballard Preston, Secretary of the Navy; Thomas Ewing, Secretary of the Interior; John Middleton Clayton, Secretary of State; Zachary Taylor, Twelfth President of the United States; Willia... More

View from Point Lookout, Lookout Mountain

Public domain photograph - panorama, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[James Brown, half-length portrait, three-quarters to the right, eyes ...

Publisher of Little, Brown & Co. Identification from portrait in G.S. Hilliard, Memoir of James Brown, 1856. Scratched on back of plate: 78 [cancelled]; 237; Life[?] Brown. Hallmark: 40. Transfer; U.S. War Coll... More

[Postcard invitation for the Lincoln Union first annual ball.]. Back o...

Picryl description: Public domain historical photo of the address side of postcard, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

[Postcard of the Lincoln National Memorial, near Hodgenville, Ky.]

Picryl description: Public domain historical photo of the address side of postcard, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

The seven stages of the office seeker / Clay, fecit.

A satire on patronage and corruption in New York State politics, based on the medieval theme, perpetuated in American folk art, of the "life and ages of man." Here the seven stages are illustrated as key points... More

[Solomon Nunes Carvalho, half-length portrait, facing slightly left, s...

Public domain scan of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[View of Niagara Falls, reversed view]

Reversed view from prospect point on the American side, toward the Horseshoe, or Canadian falls, showing the Terrapin Tower in the background, and eight male figures standing, in the foreground. Scratched on fa... More

[General Post Office from the corner of 7th Street and E Street, NW, W...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a daguerreotype portrait, early photography, 19th century, Victorian style, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

The Cato: of 1757. (No. 1) / L da Vinci, invt. et sculp., British Cart...

"Mr. Fox, seated at his desk, meditates on a halter and a deed of "Revrsion--I--d of 2000£. pr An. for me & Mine"..." (Source: Stephens) Imprint from item. This record contains unverified data from Stephens, wi... More

Wilkes, and Liberty--A New Song - Public domain engraving

A broadside comprising an engraving printed above two columns of verse in letterpress. The former represents two groups; in one the Earl of Bute, armed with a dagger, tears away the robe of the fainting Britann... More

The triumph of America, British Cartoon Print

Print shows William Pitt, the first Earl of Chatham, driving a triumphal carriage in which rides a Native American representing America. The carriage is drawn by a team of six horses, "Royal Oak, Crafty, Weathe... More

The city carriers. Book illustration from Library of Congress, British...

Print shows Samuel Turner, Lord Mayor of London, at the head of a procession, alongside Liberty, to present the petition of the Livery of London to the king. Truth rides sidesaddle on a donkey followed by Willi... More

Melpomene, British Cartoon Print, Political Cartoon

"Mrs. Siddons stands on the stage, her head turned in profile to the left, her left hand outstretched to take a heavy purse which hangs on a pitchfork emerging from clouds..." (Source: George) [Gillray]. This r... More

A strolling player, British Cartoon Print

"An actor stands on the stage, wearing contemporary dress of a military cut, his hair in a pigtail queue which curls upwards grotesquely..." (Source: George) [I. Cruikshank?] This record contains unverified dat... More

Ecclesiastical scrutiny or The Durham inquest on duty, British Cartoon...

"Barrington of Durham and two other bishops superintend the dress of four young women..." (Source: George) [Ansell?]. This record contains unverified data from George. Catalogue of Political and Personal Satire... More

Visiting the sick, British Cartoon Print, James Gillray

Charles Fox sitting in an armchair, obviously ill. On one side of him is Mrs. Fitzherbert, dressed as an abbess and holding a rosary; on the other side is a bishop in robes and mitre. In front of Fox, the Princ... More

Counsellor O. P.--defender of our theatric liberties / Js. Gillray, ft...

"Counsellor Clifford, realistically drawn, stands in profile to the left, his feet together, holding behind his back a flaming fire-brand, emitting thick clouds of smoke ..." (Source: George) This record contai... More

Patent puffs to raise the wind or Dandy steam packets on contrary Jack...

Print shows three men attempting to power their bicycles by means of flatulence. Library of Congress copy is hand-colored. Not found in British Museum Catalogue (BMC). Publisher's name misspelled on item. Corr... More

The political barbecue. Book illustration from Library of Congress

Andrew Jackson is roasted over the fires of "Public Opinion" by the figure of Justice in a cartoon relating to the controversy surrounding Jackson's removal of federal deposits from the Bank of the United State... More

The people putting responsibility to the test or the downfall of the k...

A prediction of dire consequences to follow from Jackson's withdrawal of federal funds from the Bank of the United States, initiated late in 1833. The artist is harshly critical of Jackson's move to distribute... More

Sub-treasury system, or Office holders elysium

Printed & published by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt St., 11 1/2 Wall Street. & 38 Chatham Strt. N.Y. Title appears as it is written on the item. Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)

June bugs squirting. Book illustration from Library of Congress

Tammany Hall's political manipulation of the New York Fire Department is the artist's obvious target here, although the print's precise meaning is unclear. The frame of reference may be the creation, in 1839, ... More

The little magician invoked - Public domain book scan / drawing

Martin Van Buren, known as "the Little Magician" for his remarkable political agility, summons spirits to divine the Democratic or "Loco Foco" prospects for election in 1844. He sits in an astrological circle, ... More

[Unidentified man, about 40 years of age, head-and-shoulders portrait,...

Photo possibly shows Thaddeus Hyatt. (Source: Frederick Rock, 2011) Scratched on back of plate: 53; 54 [cancelled] Transfer; U.S. War College; 1920; (DLC/PP-1920:46153). Forms part of: Daguerreotype collection... More

[Unidentified woman, full-length portrait, three-quarter to the right,...

Public domain scan of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Battle of Churrubusco. Book illustration from Library of Congress

A slightly modified version of "Battle of Cerro Gordo" (no. 1847-2), in all likelihood produced by the same lithographer. The scene is quite similar, except for the inclusion of the later battle (the Battle of ... More

Coming to terms!. Book illustration from Library of Congress

A gently satirical commentary on Zachary Taylor's bid for the presidency. In a small office Taylor, hat in hand, is interviewed by a young Brother Jonathan, who sits in a rocking chair with his legs propped up ... More

[Mr. Hamilton, half-length portrait, three-quarters to the right]

Scratched on face of plate: 265; Hamilton, HBM, R.N. Scratched on back of plate: 252. Hallmark: Rinhart 42. Transfer; U.S. War College; 1920; (DLC/PP-1920:46153). Forms part of: Daguerreotype collection (Librar... More

[View of Paris with church steeple in foreground]

Hallmark: Houssemaine Garanti 40. Purchase; Marian S. Carson; 1997; (DLC/PP-1997:105). Forms part of: Daguerreotype collection (Library of Congress). Forms part of: Marian S. Carson collection (Library of Congress)

A big blue bottle fly in the web

Another swipe at Whig candidate Winfield Scott's manipulation by antislavery Whigs Seward and Greeley. Here, Scott is a fly caught in a large web, spun by spiders Greeley (left) and Seward (right). Scott excl... More

[Unidentified woman, half-length portrait, facing front]

Case: Rinhart 257. Stamped on brass mat: F. Grice. Barboza number: 6019.068. Purchase; Anthony Barboza; 1999; (DLC/PP-1999:022). Forms part of: Daguerreotype collection (Library of Congress).

That "Soverign's Boycott," on U.S., Political Cartoon

No publication information. (DLC/PP-1980:080.6). Forms part of: Cabinet of American illustration (Library of Congress).

The last act of the drama of secession

Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1865 by Gibson & Co. in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the Southern District of Ohio. Title appears as it is written on the item. Forms part of: Amer... More

Cartoon. No. 1, Gulltown in an uproar

J.L. Magee, publisher, 305 Walnut Str. Philad. Entered according to Act of Congress A.D. 1865, by J.L. Magee in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Title appears as... More

Our national coast defenses, Political Cartoon

Public domain illustrated book page scan, American, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, 19th centu...

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, free to use, no copyright restrictions

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, 19th centu...

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, free to use, no copyright restrictions

Another president who had a rise in the world--"From the toe-path to t...

Page of Puck magazine with cartoon showing Chester Arthur kicked out of the New York Custom House, by man holding paper "charges," in front of sign pointing to Washington. Illus. in: Puck, 1881 Oct. 19, p. 101.

In memory of our best citizen / J. K.

Illustration shows a female figure holding a "Civic Crown" over the head of Peter Cooper; she is also holding a ledger that states "Peter Cooper died April 4th 1883 Age 92". Among the books and papers at the bo... More

Candidates in spite of themselves, Political Cartoon

Picryl description: Public domain image of a cart, carriage, wagon, 18th-19th century design, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Building the ark / Gillam. - Political cartoon, public domain image

Illustration shows Republican revelers in the foreground making music as they pass a reform ark being constructed in the background. Depicted are John Sherman playing pipes labeled "Southern Outrages", John Log... More

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, 19th centu...

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, free to use, no copyright restrictions

An old saying twisted / F. Opper.

Illustration shows Peter B. Olney, N.Y. District Attorney, passing a paper that states "Charges Against the Central Office Detectives - Peter B. Olney, Dist. Att'y" over the head of Fredericka Mandelbaum to Tho... More

Caricature, Well -- ? / F. Opper., public domain cartoon image

Illustration shows David B. Hill and a donkey labeled "N.Y. Democracy" sitting on the ground, staring at each other, next to railroad tracks with a caboose rolling into the background; they look as though they ... More

Our Japanese village / J. Keppler., Political Cartoon

Illustration shows a crowded outdoor scene, possibly in "Times" Square where Japanese paper lanterns are hanging and almost everyone is wearing Japanese-style clothing. Among the porters, street vendors, and st... More

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, 19th centu...

Picryl description: Public domain image, drawing, American, free to use, no copyright restrictions

He keeps them worried / C.J. Taylor.

Print shows former president Grover Cleveland and his wife Frances playing with their children, Ruth, Esther, and Marion, in the backyard of their residence, and several men labeled "Morgan, Daniel, Pugh, Faulk... More

Sweet dreams / Keppler. - Public domain portrait print

Print shows President William McKinley asleep in bed dreaming of William Jennings Bryan riding the Democratic donkey and leading members of the Democratic Party down the path of "Anti-American Foreign Policy", ... More

[Andrew Jackson, full-length portrait]

Public domain image of a male portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

[Mrs. Daniel Waldo (Rebecca Salisbury), half-length portrait]

Public domain scan of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Elizabeth Tuckerman Salisbury, at 18 years, three-quarter length port...

Public domain reproduction of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Portrait of Pocahontas, from painting by William Sheppard

Public domain image of portrait painting, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Str. "City of Cleveland" - Public domain image of a steam boat

"Phostint" card. No. 12085. Public domain photograph of a steamboat ship, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Admiral Peter Rainier, head-and-shoulders portrait]

Public domain photograph of 19th-century painting, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

To save the American girl / Ehrhart.

Illustration shows a customs official ushering a royal tramp onboard a steamer, as a wealthy American woman, with thoughts of a royal wedding, holds up a bag full of money. Caption: Deport the vagrant nobleman... More

Too many Shylocks / J.S. Pughe., Political Cartoon

Illustration shows the emperors of Russia, Japan, and Germany, and the king of Great Britain, each holding a balance scale and all but "Japan" holding a paper that states their country's "claim for indemnity" a... More

Caricature, Fall hunting / Dalrymple., public domain cartoon image

Illustration shows a hunter in the woods, carrying a rifle labeled "Gov. B. Odell" and standing next to a tree with a sign that states "Presidential Timber"; he is looking at a tiger labeled "Tammany." Caption... More

[Marquis Spinola, head-and-shoulders portrait]

Public domain image of an engraving, male portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Caricature, Far from it / Ehrhart., public domain cartoon image

Illustration shows two young women holding golf clubs, discussing one's relationship with a male friend in the context of a round of golf, punning on the word "paresis". Caption: Gladys Is Ferdy suffering fro... More

Hotel Vendome, Commonwealth Ave., Boston, Massachusetts.

Copyright deposit; E. Chickering & Co.; November, 1903; DLC/PP-1903:41972. On front: "Copyright by E. Chickering & Co., 1903, reproduction forbidden".

The Narrows, Wisconsin Dells postcard

Panoramic postcard showing a landscape with rock formations and trees. Public domain photograph - panorama, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Panoramic photo of Brandon Hall, Brookline, Massachusetts.

H38441 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright deposit; E. Chickering & Co.; 1903; DLC/PP-1903:41984. On front: "Copyright by E. Chickering & Co., 1903, reproduction forbidden".

The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia, Panoramic Photograph

H26910 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright deposit; Commercial Panoramic Photo Co., Inc.; January 13, 1903.

[George Washington, head-and-shoulders portrait]

Public domain portrait photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Boston Public Garden, gelatin silver print

H46267 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright deposit; E. Chickering & Co.; May 21, 1904; DLC/PP-1904:42152. On front: "Copyright by E. Chickering & Co., 1903, reproduction forbidden, -3-".

Mt. Beacon, N.Y. & Incline R.R.

Postcard shows Mt. Beacon, with a railroad track and one building. F 35122 U.S. Copyright Office. Copyright 1905 by the Rotograph Co.

[Postcard with printed words "Russia, Japan, Peace Conference, August ...

Postcard sent by newspaper correspondent Edmund Noble to his daughter, Beatrice. Text reads: Besides Japanese and Russians there is a German here, representing the National Zeitung of Berlin. The answer to you... More

Horatius at the bridge - Political cartoon, public domain image

Illustration shows William T. Jerome, District Attorney for the State of New York, defending a bridge that leads to "Honest Government" against a group of men led by Benjamin B. Odell, with "Big Tim, Little Tim... More

A bitter dose / J.S. Pughe. - Political cartoon, public domain image

Illustration shows James R. Garfield as a physician administering a large dose labeled "Federal Franchise" to a bloated, elderly man labeled "The Trusts" sitting in a chair with his feet soaking in a tub labele... More

View of Randolph-Macon Woman's College, College Park, Lynchburg, Virgi...

Postcard shows the campus of Randolph Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia. F 46088 U.S. Copyright Office.

The kept judge / Keppler. - Political cartoon, public domain image

Illustration shows two men, one labeled "Political Boss" and the other labeled "Special Privilege" with copies of "Blank Injunctions" in his pocket, helping a diminutive judge write a "Dictated Decision". In th... More

From West Virginia's jutting crags, sweeping Bolivar Heights and the b...

Postcard showing a view of the Potomac River with Bolivar Heights in West Virginia on the left and Maryland on the right. F65399 U.S. Copyright Office. "Fort Sullivan" in upper right corner. Copyright deposit;... More