The Photographic Past, Part I

Photographic images possess the unique ability to provide an intimate, tangible glimpse into the past. Though primary sources such as letters, newspaper articles, speeches, and legal documents provide us with invaluable information, photos often provoke emotional responses that are specific to the medium.

Photographs hold incredible story-telling potential. The atmosphere of conquest surrounding the meteoric success of Nazi Germany in the early stages of WWII is eerily perceptible in this picture of Adolf Hitler in Paris, France. Conversely, the ominous despair of the French people-on the cusp of their nation's darkest hour- is obvious in the eyes of this civilian. Even if these pictures do not tell the complete story, they offer a very compelling snapshot at the very least.

And with that I offer to you the first installment of "The Photographic Past," an exploration of some of my favorite photographs throughout history.

The Great Sphinx, partially excavated, sometime between 1857-1899. In other words, when it didn't look like this.

George Harrison, Abbey Road Studios, July 21, 1967. What were you doing at twenty-three years old? George was only writing & recording arguably the greatest album of all time.

Pablo Picasso was cooler than you or I could ever wish to be. Seventy-five years old, and Brigitte Bardot is positively swooning.

Just a little good natured American propaganda- God Bless it. 

Babe Ruth and his brother Gabe... never mind, that's Al De Vormer. 1921. (P.S. Who's best dressed, the Babe or Russell Westbrook?)

A fascinating view of the unfinished US Capitol in 1863-64, at the height of the Civil War.

Yale Rugby star George W. Bush delivers his famed right hook, nicknamed "Foreign Policy." The opposing player was later shot by Dick Cheney. 1966.