Famous and Influential People Gallery

Bronte Sisters by Patrick Branwell Bronte

circa 1834: English writers Anne, Emily and Charlotte Bronte. Original Artwork: Painting by their brother, Patrick Branwell Bronte who painted himself among his sisters, but later removed the image so as not to clutter the picture. There is still an outline of his form in the pillar.
(Photo by Rischgitz/Getty Images)

Portrait of William Wells Brown

Vintage portrait of William Wells Brown (1814-1884), an African-American abolitionist lecturer, novelist, playwright, and historian in the United States. Considered one of the first significant African-American writers and anti-slavery activists. his autobiography, Narrative of William W. Brown, A Fugitive Slave, documents his life as a slave in Missouri and is one of most widely published and influential slave narratives

Portrait of Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the USA

Vintage portrait of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A polymath, he was a leading writer, printer, political philosopher, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions