Early Photography Archive

Name: Early Photography Archive
Creator: Analog Photo Today
License: Open-access data is CC0; public-domain images are served via IIIF links without redistribution.

The Early Photography Archive presents public-domain photographs from the Art Institute of Chicago photography and media collection, with artist, process and dating context, drawn from the CC0 API and refreshed monthly. Every record links the museum page and adds technique family, origin region and era labels from our pipeline.

Records: 4,070
Last changed: 09/02/2026
Update schedule: 27 5 2 * * UTC
Coverage: 03/03/2026–09/02/2026
Method: Methodology

Photograph	Artist	Date	Technique	Origin	On view
Mrs. Herbert Duckworth	Julia Margaret Cameron English, 1815–1879	September 1874	printing_dyeing photography	Europe	false
Mrs. Herbert Duckworth	Julia Margaret Cameron English, 1815–1879	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Europe	false
Mrs. Herbert Duckworth ("She Walks in Beauty")	Julia Margaret Cameron English, 1815–1879	September, 1874	printing_dyeing photography	Europe	false
Charles Norman	Julia Margaret Cameron English, 1815–1879	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Europe	false
Shoshone Falls, Snake River, Idaho. Gorge and natural bridge, in the fore-ground, No. 50 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Shoshone Falls, Snake River, Idaho, looking through the timber, and showing the main fall, and upper or "Lace Falls", No. 49 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Shoshone Falls, Snake River, Idaho, Main Fall, 210 feet from upper to lower level, width of fall, 800 feet from upper to lower level; Height of Cañon wall at the falls, 1.000 feet. A number of minor falls, Islands, and boulder rocks above the main fall add beauty to the lonely majesty of this scene, No. 48 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
King Arthur	Julia Margaret Cameron English, 1815–1879	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Europe	false
Characteristic ruin, of the Pueblo San Juan, New Mexico, on the north bank of the San Juan River, about 15 miles west of the mouth of Cañon Largo. The present race of Indians know nothing of when or by whom these buildings were constructed. The ruin is about 350 feet square, and built of natural stone, joined together by a mud cement, No. 43 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Alpine lakes, and mountain scenery, in the Cerro Blanco Mountains, Colorado, 13.000 feet above sea-level, No. 47 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Baldy Peak, Cerro Blanco Mountains, Colorado, 14.234 feet above sea-level. Limit in altitude of vegetation about 11.000 feet, No. 46 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Alpine Lake, in the Cerro Blanco Mountains, Colorado. One of a group of ten lakes at the main head of Ute Creek. 11.000 feet above sea-level. Cerro Blanco Peak rises 14.269 feet abov the sea, lying to the westward, No. 45 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Lagunas Caballo, or Horse Lakes, 14 miles, N. W. from Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico. The water of the lakes is strongly mineral and not fit for men or animals to drink, No. 44 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Jicarilla Apache Brave and Squaw, lately wedded. Abiquiu Agency, New Mexico	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Shee-zah-nan-tan, Jicarilla Apache Brave in characteristic Costume, Northern New Mexico, No. 42 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Ute Braves, of the Kah-poh-teh band, Northern New Mexico, in "full dress", No. 40 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Pah-ge, a Ute Squaw, of the Kah-poh-teh band, Northern New Mexico, No. 39 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
One of the group of Pagosa Hot Springs, showing incrustation on the surface. Much prized by the Indians and miners on account of supposed healing qualities. Principal mineral element, Sulphate of Soda, No. 38 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Lost Lakes, head of Conejos Cañon, Colorado, in the Sierra San Juan range, near divide between Conejos and south fork of Alamosa Rivers, surrounded by forest of Douglass spruce, and approximately 11.000 feel above sea-level, No. 37 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Cañon, Valley of the Conejos River, looking south from vicinity of "Lost Lakes", No. 36 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Beaver Lake, Conejos Cañon, Colorado, 9.000 feet above sea-level, and 30 miles from mouth of Cañon, No. 35 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Roman Catholic Church, Plaza of Guadaloupe, Guadaloupe Co., Colorado. Built not many years since of adobes. Dimensions, length 120 feet; width 60 feet; height 25 feet. Grave yard in the foreground surrounded by an abode wall about 6 feet in height, No. 34 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Untitled, from the series "Chicago and Vicinity"	Lovejoy & Foster American, active 1870s	1874	printing_dyeing metalwork photography	Americas	false
Corcoran art gallery	Chas. S. Cudlip American, active late 19th century	n.d.	printing_dyeing photography	other	false
China and Its People	John Thomson Scottish, 1837–1921	1874	photography	Europe	false
China and Its People	John Thomson Scottish, 1837–1921	1874	photography	Europe	false
Untitled	C. H. Freeman American, late 19th century	1874	printing_dyeing photography	other	false
Parepa Rosa, from the series "Skeleton Leaves"	John P. Soule American, 1828–1904	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Lincoln, from the series "Skeleton Leaves"	John P. Soule American, 1828–1904	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
George & Martha Washington, from the series "Skeleton Leaves"	John P. Soule American, 1828–1904	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Charles Sumner, from the series "Skeleton Leaves"	John P. Soule American, 1828–1904	1874	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Bird's Eye View (South), from the series "Chicago and Vicinity"	Lovejoy & Foster American, active 1870s	1873	printing_dyeing metalwork photography	Americas	false
Clark Street, North from Madison, from the series "Re-Built Chicago"	Lovejoy & Foster American, active 1870s	1873	printing_dyeing metalwork photography	Americas	false
Navajo Brave and his Mother. The Navajo were formerly a warlike tribe until subdued by U.S. Troops, in 1859-60. Many of them now have fine flocks, and herds of horses, sheeps and goats, No. 29 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Geographical & Geological Explorations & Surveys West of the 100th Meridian	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1871/73	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Ancient Ruins in the Cañon de Chelle, N.M. In a niche 50 feet above present Cañon bed.	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Apache Lake, Sierra Blanca Range, Arizona	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
View on Apache Lake, Sierra Blanca Range, Arizona	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
View on Apache Lake, Sierra Blanca Range, Arizona, Two Apache Scouts in the Foreground	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
North Fork Cañon, Sierra Blanca Creek, Arizona	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Cooley's Park, Sierra Blanca Range, Arizona	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Distant View of Camp Apache, Arizona	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Aboriginal Life Among the Navajoe Indians, Near Old Fort Defiance, N.M.	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Historic Spanish Record of the Conquest, South Side of Inscription Rock, N.M. Geographical & Geological Explorations & Surveys West of the 100th Meridian. Expedition of 1873. -Lieut. Geo. M. Wheeler, Corps. of Engineers, Commanding.	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Historic Spanish Record of the Conquest, South Side of Inscription Rock, N.M.- No. 3., from the album "Geographical & Geological Explorations & Surveys West of the 100th Meridian," vol. 1	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Historic Spanish Record of the Conquest, South Side of Inscription Rock, N.M.	Timothy O'Sullivan American, born Ireland, 1840–1882	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Coyotero Apache Scouts, at Apache Lake, Sierra Blanca Mountains, Arizona. Two members of the Expedition in the back-ground, No. 31 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Indian Pueblo of Zuni, New Mexico; view from the interior. The "Pueblo" or town, encloses a quadrangular area within which are the ruins of a church built under the direction of the Jesuit missionaries. The houses are built one above the other to the height of five or six stories. The entrances are mostly from the top, the ascent and descent being made by ladders, No. 16 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Zuni Indian Girl, with water olla, No. 17 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false
Gardens surrounding the Indian Pueblo of Zuni, in which are raised a variety of vegetables, such as peppers, onions, garlic &c, No. 18 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"	Timothy O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840–1882) commissioned by George Wheeler for the War Department, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army	1873	printing_dyeing photography	Americas	false