Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Home > Fine Art Storehouse > Bettmann Archive

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.
 

198,871 Items

We are proud to offer this selection in partnership with Fine Art Storehouse

Bettmann Archive Collection: TV Time Capsule

TV Time Capsule Collection
1,049 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Royal Reverie

Royal Reverie Collection
1,923 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Ballet

Ballet Collection
386 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Christmas

Christmas Collection
421 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Icons of Literature

Icons of Literature Collection
343 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Moments of Influence: Historic Leaders in Focus

Moments of Influence: Historic Leaders in Focus Collection
18,117 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Historical Events

Historical Events Collection
10,970 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Media and Journalism

Media and Journalism Collection
8,738 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Legends of Discovery

Legends of Discovery Collection
1,893 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Timeless Threads

Timeless Threads Collection
2,771 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Moments in Time

Moments in Time Collection
284 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Cosmic Chronicles

Cosmic Chronicles Collection
521 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Feel The Music

Feel The Music Collection
8,639 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Hollywood Glamour

Hollywood Glamour Collection
11,030 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Sports

Sports Collection
47,075 Items

Bettmann Archive Collection: Visual Arts

Visual Arts Collection
13,497 Items

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: The Thinker by Auguste Rodin

The Thinker by Auguste Rodin
Rodin: The Thinker. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Undated photograph

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Chemist Marie Curie in Her Laboratory

Chemist Marie Curie in Her Laboratory
(Original Caption) Madame Curie (1867-1934), noted physical chemist, poses in her Paris laboratory. Undated photograph

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Blackstone Hotel

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Labor Leaders of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Motion Picture Machine Operators

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Bette Davis

Portrait of Bette Davis
(Original Caption) Hollywood: Bette Davis, one of the few living movie legends

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Richard and Mildred Loving in Washington, DC

Richard and Mildred Loving in Washington, DC
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a Virginia law banning marriage between African Americans and Caucasians was unconstitutional, thus nullifying similar statues in 15 other states

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Washington's Inauguration at Philadelphia

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Woman Wearing Early French Designs

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Socrates

Portrait of Socrates
Greek philosopher Socrates

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: The Death of George Washington

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Mathematician Charles Babbage

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Friedrich Nietzsche

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Yale Football Team Portrait

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Samurai Holding Spear

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Patrons During Early Bowling Game

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Illustrative Portrait of President Franklin Pierce

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

Background imageBettmann 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)

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Physician Visiting Home of Infant for Vaccination

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Mount Vesuvius Exploding into the Night

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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)

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Woodcut of a Midwife Assisting a Childbirth

Woodcut of a Midwife Assisting a Childbirth

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Man's Hand with Cigar

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Woman Smoking a Havana Cigar

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Chas. M. Russell Lithograph

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Matthew Perry Entertaining Japanese Commissioners on Ship

Matthew Perry Entertaining Japanese Commissioners on Ship
Matthew Perry, U. S

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Man Blowing Smoke Rings

Man Blowing Smoke Rings
(Original Caption) Le Divertida

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann 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."

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Profile of German Author Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

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

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Gustave Courbet

Portrait of Gustave Courbet
19th century Realist painter from France

Background imageBettmann 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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Louis Pasteur

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"

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of Henri Bonaventure Monnier

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Old House of Concord

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Portrait of German Music Composer Robert Schumann

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

Background imageBettmann Archive Collection: Man Atop Early French Cab

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

Background imageBettmann 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



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!

All products are expertly crafted, using premium materials, tailored to your specifications and promptly shipped



© Copyright Media Storehouse, All Rights Reserved 2003 - 2025
Facebook     Pinterest     100% Payment Secure     Reviews IO