Archive Photo Gallery

American Progress

Painting entitled 'American Progress', by John Gast, depicting 'Manifest Destiny' (the religious belief that the United States should expand from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in the name of God). In 1872 artist John Gast painted a popular scene of people moving west that captured the view of Americans at the time. Called 'Spirit of the Frontier' and widely distributed as an engraving portrayed settlers moving west, guided and protected by a goddess-like figure and aided by technology (railways, telegraphs), driving Native Americans and bison into obscurity. It is also important to note that angel is bringing the 'light' as witnessed on the eastern side of the painting as she travels towards the 'darkened' west.' USA, circa 1872. (Photo by Fotosearch/Getty Images)

© 2010 Getty Images

Mr Punch

circa 1890: Punch. Character derived from the 14th century Commedia dell' Arte Pulcinella, quarrelsome, hook nosed, humpbacked buffoon, based upon Maccus, the comic servant of Ancient Roman farces. The Commedia troupes travelled throughout Europe and each country added to the character - Polichinelle in France, Petrushka in Russia, Kasperl in Austria, among many others. In England, as Punch, he acquired a wife, Judy. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Law Department

Exterior view of the 'Staats Zeitung' building, on Park Row, New York City, built for the German language daily newspaper and later housing the New York City Law Department. The Municipal Building now stands on the site. People, horsedrawn carriages and streetcars move down the street. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)