Bettmann Archive Collection

Discover timeless moments captured in history where each image tells a story that transcends time

Choose a picture from our collection for your Wall Art and Photo Gifts

Bring history to life with prints from the Bettmann Archive, one of the most significant and comprehensive collections of historical photographs and images in the world. Established by Otto Bettmann, a visionary German-born librarian who fled Nazi Germany in 1935, the archive began with a remarkable collection of 15,000 images he brought to the United States.

Over the years, the Bettmann Archive has grown into a treasure trove of millions of images and this is a selection of those images that document world history, capturing the essence of politics, culture, sports, and everyday life. Each print from the archive is a gateway to iconic moments from the 19th and 20th centuries, offering you the chance to own a piece of history. Whether you’re passionate about historical events, intrigued by famous personalities, or drawn to the timeless beauty of everyday life, the Bettmann Archive offers a diverse selection of images to suit any interest.

199,481 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Cosmic Chronicles

Cosmic Chronicles Collection
516 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Feel The Music

Feel The Music Collection
6,983 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Civil Rights

Civil Rights Collection
1,304 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Hollywood Glamour

Hollywood Glamour Collection
6,698 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Bettmann Archive Sports

Bettmann Archive Sports Collection
23,206 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Bettmann Archive Illustrations

Bettmann Archive Illustrations Collection
5,706 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Paul Robeson Standing Aboard Liner

Paul Robeson Standing Aboard Liner
(Original Caption) Paul Robeson, the famous singer, and former All American football star and Phi Beta Kappa scholar, is shown as he sailed for Europe from New York City, aboard the S. S

Bettmann Archive Collection: Frank Viola Pitching

Frank Viola Pitching
(Original Caption) Minneapolis: Twins' Frank Viola pitches first inning of World Series game #7

Bettmann Archive Collection: First Women Military Police Pose With Guns

First Women Military Police Pose With Guns
Sergeant Beulah Jackie Coates (L) and Private Marjorie Shepherd holding guns. They were among the first seven members of the Women's Army Corps to become military police in 1949

Bettmann Archive Collection: Blackstone Hotel

Blackstone Hotel
(Original Caption) Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, on South Michigan Boulevard

Bettmann Archive Collection: Rogers Hornsby Sitting in Dugout

Rogers Hornsby Sitting in Dugout
(Original Caption) Rogers Hornsby, the fourth manager of three National League Clubs is shown here as the Manager of St. Louis Browns, after he took over his duties in a game with the Chicago Sox

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait Of Harry Belafonte

Portrait Of Harry Belafonte
Portrait of Jamaican-American musician, actor, and Civil Rights activist Harry Belafonte as he poses, one foot on a chair and a cigarette in his hand, circa 1940s-1950s

Bettmann Archive Collection: Workers Leaving Ford Motor Factory

Workers Leaving Ford Motor Factory
(Original Caption) The Afternoon Shift at the Biggest Automobile Plant in the World. Detroit, Michigan: Workers in the Ford Automobile Plant at Highland park, leaving after their shift

Bettmann Archive Collection: President Reagan Laughing at Queen's Remarks

President Reagan Laughing at Queen's Remarks
President Reagan laughs following a joke by Queen Elizabeth II, who commented on the lousy California weather she has experienced since her arrival to the States

Bettmann Archive Collection: Hayman Rickover Inspecting Nautilus

Hayman Rickover Inspecting Nautilus
(Original Caption) Here the Secretary of the Navy (R), and Captain Hyman Rickover of the Nuclear Power Division of the Navy subs and ships

Bettmann Archive Collection: Vehicles and Workers Outside Detroit Automobile Plant

Vehicles and Workers Outside Detroit Automobile Plant
(Original Caption) Detroit, Michigan: The Afternoon Shift At The Biggest Automobile Plant In The World. Photo shows workers in the Ford Automobile Plant at Highland Park, leaving their shift

Bettmann Archive Collection: Labor Leaders of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

Labor Leaders of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Motion Picture Machine Operators
Four officials of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Motion Picture Machine Operators of the United States and Canada gather together behind a desk on Jul 27, 1933

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Bette Davis

Portrait of Bette Davis
(Original Caption) Hollywood: Bette Davis, one of the few living movie legends, laments the passing of the film greats and with them the definition of the word "star." Davis is featured in one of her

Bettmann Archive Collection: Boston Massacre Handbill

Boston Massacre Handbill
Part of a handbill in the Library of Massachusetts describing the Boston Massacre

Bettmann Archive Collection: Iron Works, Conversion To Steel; Illus

Iron Works, Conversion To Steel; Illus
(Original Caption) Iron Forge: The Forge Hammer. Iron converted into steel by the application of pressure. After a painting by Boudell, published in 1773

Bettmann Archive Collection: Doctor Using Instrument on Young Girl Patient

Doctor Using Instrument on Young Girl Patient
(Original Caption) Adams Medical Electrical Machine Electrometer and Bottle. The machines drawn by Mitne, and Engraved by J. Lodge. The Figuris designed by F. Blake and Engraved by W. Grainger kc

Bettmann Archive Collection: Crowds Celebrating Outside Royal Palace

Crowds Celebrating Outside Royal Palace
(Original Caption) Camille Desmoulins, excited by dismissal of Finance Minister Necker harangues crowds outside the Royal Palace and thus begins the French Revolution. July 12, 1789

Bettmann Archive Collection: Diagram Depicting Blood Vessel Distribution

Diagram Depicting Blood Vessel Distribution
(Original Caption) Anatomical drawings showing blood vessel distribution an lymphatics. (Engraving after William Hunter), 1790

Bettmann Archive Collection: Engraving of Civil Engineer John Smeaton

Engraving of Civil Engineer John Smeaton
(Original Caption) 1792-John Smeaton (1724-1792), English Civil Engineer F. R. L. - Improved instruments used in navigation and astronomy. Engraving

Bettmann Archive Collection: 22nd Tank Squadron

22nd Tank Squadron
South Vietnamese members of the newly formed 22nd Tank Squadron line up in front of their 162 new M-48 which were recently rushed into Vietnam by the U.S

Bettmann Archive Collection: Washington's Inauguration at Philadelphia

Washington's Inauguration at Philadelphia
WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION AT PHILADELPHIA, 1793

Bettmann Archive Collection: Man Helping Sick Person

Man Helping Sick Person
(Original Caption) Yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, 1793. Carriages rumbled through the streets to pick up the dying and the dead. Woodcut shows Stephen Girard on errand of mercy

Bettmann Archive Collection: Woman Wearing Early French Designs

Woman Wearing Early French Designs
(Original Caption) Merveilleuse Du Directoire

Bettmann Archive Collection: Early Map of New York

Early Map of New York
(Original Caption) A new and accurate plan of the city of New York in the State of New York in North America

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Socrates

Portrait of Socrates
Greek philosopher Socrates

Bettmann Archive Collection: Irish Rebellion of 1798

Irish Rebellion of 1798
(Original Caption) Irish Rebellion of 1798: Rebels execute their Protestant prisoners at Wexford, June 20, 1798. The rebel flag's MWS stands for murder Without Sin." Copper engraving by George George

Bettmann Archive Collection: The Death of George Washington

The Death of George Washington
1799-ORIGINAL CAPTION READS: The Death OF Washington

Bettmann Archive Collection: Mathematician Charles Babbage

Mathematician Charles Babbage
(Original Caption) Charles Babbage (1792-1871). English mathematician and mechanical genius. Undated photograph

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Lafcadio Hearn

Portrait of Lafcadio Hearn
Greek-born writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) worked as a journalist in Cincinnati and New Orleans. He moved to Japan in 1890 to become a Japanese citizen

Bettmann Archive Collection: Corner Grocery Store Of Early 1900S

Corner Grocery Store Of Early 1900S
(Original Caption) ca. 1900's: Typical U.S. corner Grocery store of the early 1900's with horse drawn cart and grocer ready to serve. Undated Photo

Bettmann Archive Collection: Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche
(Original Caption) Portrait of Friedrich W. Nietzsche, German philosopher (1844-1900), face resting on hand. Photograph

Bettmann Archive Collection: Early New Mexico Newspaper

Early New Mexico Newspaper
One of the first daily newspapers in New Mexico set up operations underneath a juniper tree near Kingston, New Mexico. | Location: Near Kingston, New Mexico, USA

Bettmann Archive Collection: Shoshoni Dancers at Fort Washakie

Shoshoni Dancers at Fort Washakie
A group Shoshoni dance at the Fort Washakie reservation in Wyoming. Standing at far left, with his arm outstretched, is Chief Washakie

Bettmann Archive Collection: Zuni Couple in Front of Adobe Home

Zuni Couple in Front of Adobe Home
A Zuni couple stands in front of their adobe home in New Mexico

Bettmann Archive Collection: Yale Football Team Portrait

Yale Football Team Portrait
The Yale University football team poses for their portrait

Bettmann Archive Collection: Samurai Holding Spear

Samurai Holding Spear
(Original Caption) Ancient warrior of Japan. Undated photograph. BPA2# 3100

Bettmann Archive Collection: Waitress with Beer and Pretzels

Waitress with Beer and Pretzels
(Original Caption) USA: The Bock Beer Lady. The Bock Beer Lady gaily attired with "bockwursts" and radishes. Goat motive of Bock Beer ornaments her hat

Bettmann Archive Collection: Illustratio of Francis Scott Key and Shipmates Gazing to Land

Illustratio of Francis Scott Key and Shipmates Gazing to Land
(Original Caption) Francis Scott Key observing Fort McHenry from aboard ship

Bettmann Archive Collection: Patrons During Early Bowling Game

Patrons During Early Bowling Game
(Original Caption) A Ten Strike

Bettmann Archive Collection: Illustrative Portrait of President Franklin Pierce

Illustrative Portrait of President Franklin Pierce
(Original Caption) Franklin Pierce

Bettmann Archive Collection: Hannibal and His Men Crossing Terrain for Battle

Hannibal and His Men Crossing Terrain for Battle
(Original Caption) Hannibal Crossing the Alps with his Army to invade Italy (221 BC)

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of John Adams by Thomas Spear after Gilbert Stuart

Portrait of John Adams by Thomas Spear after Gilbert Stuart
(Original Caption) John Adams (1735-1826), second President of the United States

Bettmann Archive Collection: Physician Visiting Home of Infant for Vaccination

Physician Visiting Home of Infant for Vaccination
(Original Caption) Vaccinating The Baby

Bettmann Archive Collection: Men Carrying Injured Man to Hospital

Men Carrying Injured Man to Hospital
(Original Caption) Man with gout being transported to the hospital on a carrying chair

Bettmann Archive Collection: Physician and Assistants during Early History Leg Amputation

Physician and Assistants during Early History Leg Amputation
(Original Caption) France: Jacques Guillemeau (1550-1630). Amputation Of A Leg. Note than no less than 5 assistants are present

Bettmann Archive Collection: Mount Vesuvius Exploding into the Night

Mount Vesuvius Exploding into the Night
(Original Caption) Italy: Mount Vesuvius' rupture of 1737

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of American Author Thomas Paine

Portrait of American Author Thomas Paine
USA: Thomas Paine, American political philosopher and author was born in England

Bettmann Archive Collection: Physician Preparing Patient for Surgical Purposes

Physician Preparing Patient for Surgical Purposes
ORIGINAL CAPTION READS: Doctor prescribing a tonic to a man suffering from gout. Late 15th century color engraving

Bettmann Archive Collection: Shifty Loan Man and a Regretful Borrower

Shifty Loan Man and a Regretful Borrower
(Original Caption) USA: I Sold On Credit! - I Sold In Cash

Bettmann Archive Collection: General Garnet Joseph Wolseley Escaping France by Lion

General Garnet Joseph Wolseley Escaping France by Lion
(Original Caption) "The English Tunnel Bugaboo." Cartoon showing French Rooster chasing frightened British Lion ridden by General Wolseley

Bettmann Archive Collection: War Scene of the Battle of Austerlitz

War Scene of the Battle of Austerlitz
(Original Caption) Battle of Austerlitz, also called Battle of The Three Emperors, (Dec. 2, 1805) was the first of the Third Coalition

Woodcut of a Midwife Assisting a Childbirth

Bettmann Archive Collection: Cape of Good Hope

Cape of Good Hope
Watercrafts sailing through the Cape of Good Hope while man tries to spear a whale

Bettmann Archive Collection: Man's Hand with Cigar

Man's Hand with Cigar
(Original Caption) On Hand

Bettmann Archive Collection: Woman Smoking a Havana Cigar

Woman Smoking a Havana Cigar
(Original Caption) Utopia. It Has Havana In It

Bettmann Archive Collection: Chas. M. Russell Lithograph

Chas. M. Russell Lithograph
(Original Caption) USA: Charles M. Russell. "The Cowboy Artist."

Bettmann Archive Collection: Matthew Perry Entertaining Japanese Commissioners on Ship

Matthew Perry Entertaining Japanese Commissioners on Ship
Matthew Perry, U. S. Naval officer who headed expedition and forcibly encouraged Japan in 1853-54 to enter trade and diplomatic relations with the West, is shown

Bettmann Archive Collection: Naval Officer Matthew Perry Taking President's Letter to Japanese

Naval Officer Matthew Perry Taking President's Letter to Japanese
Matthew Perry, U. S. Naval officer who headed expedition and forcibly encouraged Japan in 1853-54 to enter trade and diplomatic relations with the West, is shown

Bettmann Archive Collection: Military Vessels on the Ocean

Military Vessels on the Ocean
(Original Caption) War Of 1812: Victory of the U. S. Frigate United States under the command of Decator over the British Frigate, Macedonian

Bettmann Archive Collection: Man Blowing Smoke Rings

Man Blowing Smoke Rings
(Original Caption) Le Divertida

Bettmann Archive Collection: Shield Carrying Grecian Military Chiefs Gesturing on Fallen Horse

Shield Carrying Grecian Military Chiefs Gesturing on Fallen Horse
(Original Caption) Greece: The Oath Of The Seven Chiefs

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Marie de Flavigny

Portrait of Marie de Flavigny
(Original Caption) Marie de Flavigny, Contess d'Agoult: (1805-1876) French writer under the name Daniel Stern

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of the Young Composer Gustave Mahler

Portrait of the Young Composer Gustave Mahler
(Original Caption) Gustave Mahler: (1860-1911), composer and conductor as a youth

Bettmann Archive Collection: Major Andre After Being Caught for Treason

Major Andre After Being Caught for Treason
(Original Caption) The Death Warrant Of Major Andre. He placed his hat on the table and cheerfully said, "I am ready at any moment."

Profile of German Author Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
(Original Caption) Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe: 1749-1832. German poet, playwright, and novelist

Bettmann Archive Collection: Sarah Bernhardt Relaxing in Salon

Sarah Bernhardt Relaxing in Salon
Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), French tragedy actress is shown in her saloon. Photo by Nadar. Undated, ca. 1880s-1900s

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Gustave Courbet

Portrait of Gustave Courbet
19th century Realist painter from France

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait Of Louis Pasteur

Portrait Of Louis Pasteur
(Original Caption) Portrait of Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) French Chemist. Undated photograph by Nadar. BPA2# 4337

Portrait of Louis Pasteur
A Pioneer in researching and controlling the spread of diseases and germs, Louis Pasteur was most noted for developing a process for purifying milk, to become known as "pasteurization"

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Henri Bonaventure Monnier

Portrait of Henri Bonaventure Monnier
(Original Caption) Henri Bonaventure Monnier (1805-1877) French writer and caricaturist

Bettmann Archive Collection: Old House of Concord

Old House of Concord
(Original Caption) Massachusetts: Hunt-Hosmer House, Concord, Massachusetts, near old North Bridge

Bettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of German Music Composer Robert Schumann

Portrait of German Music Composer Robert Schumann
(Original Caption) Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Bettmann Archive Collection: Man Atop Early French Cab

Man Atop Early French Cab
(Original Caption) An electric driven cab (Geantaud), French

Bettmann Archive Collection: Pensive Portrait of President Benjamin Harrison

Pensive Portrait of President Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison, was the 23rd President of the United States, 1889-1893. The Pan American Conference was held under his leadership

Bettmann Archive Collection: Injured Rebel Troops at Stonewall Jackson Encampment

Injured Rebel Troops at Stonewall Jackson Encampment
(Original Caption) Prayer In Stonewall Jackson's Camp. (Thomas Jackson, 1824-1863)

Bettmann Archive Collection: President Chester Arthur on Fishing Trip

President Chester Arthur on Fishing Trip
(Original Caption) Chester Arthur during fishing trip. Photographed by Brady or assistant

Bettmann Archive Collection: Young Lady in a Victorian Corset

Young Lady in a Victorian Corset
ORIGINAL CAPTION READS: Young lady in victorian corset. Back view seated in chair. Undated photograph

Bettmann Archive Collection: Mozart Playing Piano for Young Songstress

Mozart Playing Piano for Young Songstress
(Original Caption) Germany: Mozart With Aloysia Weber, a 17 year old girl whom he met at Manneheim. She was his unhappy grand passion. The young girl rejected him after a short courtship

Bettmann Archive Collection: Author Francis Parkman Reclining Outdoors

Author Francis Parkman Reclining Outdoors
(Original Caption) Francis Parkman (1823-1893), American historian. Author of Oregon Trail

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Enhance your space with a print that not only decorates but also tells a story, connecting you to the past in a meaningful way. Each piece from the Bettmann Archive is more than just art - it's a vivid reflection of history, ready to inspire and engage you every day.

Bettmann Archive Collection

Discover timeless moments captured in history where each image tells a story that transcends time

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