Mark Twain (1908)
Few American authors will ever match the status or successes of Mark Twain (1835 – 1910), formerly known as Samuel Clemens. Despite being mainly remembered for youthful classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Prince and the Pauper his harsh parodying of his era’s hypocrisy runs through all his works.
Twain is widely regarded as “America’s first celebrity.” Rarely spotted in anything but white suits, he kindly changed his wardrobe for this photograph. As described by the Los Angeles Times:
This picture was taken in 1908 and was one of the first likenesses to be in full color, known as a chromograph. Had Twain remained in his iconic white suit for the snap, the color would not have come through as well as the red gown. Alvin Langdon Coburn took this incredible photograph.
Mark Twain
President Martin Van Buren (c. 1852)
Here we have the eighth President of the United States, Martin Van Buren (1782 – 1862), who was the initial president to be born and raised in America, rather than England.
Van Buren was a leader with a mixed opinion. Despite having raised the United States’ politics to previously unseen heights, his judgment was often regarded as controversial. Despite there being better quality images of the man, we selected this one thanks to its fascinating tale. Van Buren braved a heavy storm to make it to his appointment with Brady. Upon being questioned by Brady on his dedication to their appointment, Van Buren replied by saying that he would always do his best to come through with an arrangement with all his might.
President Martin Van Buren
