Skip to main content

Futurology Collection

Peering into the enigmatic realm of futurology, we unravel the threads of time

Background imageFuturology Collection: TORRES VILLARROEL, Diego de (1693-1770). Spanish writer, poet, dramatist, astrologer, doctor

TORRES VILLARROEL, Diego de (1693-1770). Spanish writer, poet, dramatist, astrologer, doctor, mathematician
CUL4857013 TORRES VILLARROEL, Diego de (1693-1770). Spanish writer, poet, dramatist, astrologer, doctor, mathematician, priest and professor of the University of Salamanca

Background imageFuturology Collection: Palmistry. Planetary and zodiacal diagram of the

Palmistry. Planetary and zodiacal diagram of the left hand. Engraving

Background imageFuturology Collection: Your Fortune Teller (colour litho)

Your Fortune Teller (colour litho)
3642811 Your Fortune Teller (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Your Fortune Teller. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Background imageFuturology Collection: British Museum 2043, Curiosities of Ancient Times (engraving)

British Museum 2043, Curiosities of Ancient Times (engraving)
5997829 British Museum 2043, Curiosities of Ancient Times (engraving) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); Private Collection; (add.info.: British Museum 2043, Curiosities of Ancient Times)

Background imageFuturology Collection: The Height of Speculation, Groundless Expectations (engraving)

The Height of Speculation, Groundless Expectations (engraving)
5997823 The Height of Speculation, Groundless Expectations (engraving) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Height of Speculation, Groundless Expectations)

Background imageFuturology Collection: Air-um, Scare-um Travelling - ie anticipation of the future of flying in 1843 (engraving)

Air-um, Scare-um Travelling - ie anticipation of the future of flying in 1843 (engraving)
5997833 Air-um, Scare-um Travelling - ie anticipation of the future of flying in 1843 (engraving) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); Private Collection; (add.info.: Air-um)

Background imageFuturology Collection: Nostradamus writing his prophecies (b / w engraving)

Nostradamus writing his prophecies (b / w engraving)
243042 Nostradamus writing his prophecies (b/w engraving) by SauvA©, Jean (c.1635-after 1692); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageFuturology Collection: Plane, illustration from the frontispiece of The man in the moone or a discourse of

Plane, illustration from the frontispiece of The man in the moone or a discourse of
CHT279491 Plane, illustration from the frontispiece of The man in the moone or a discourse of a voyage thither by Domingo Gonsales, the speedy Messenger by Francis Godwin (1562-1633)

Background imageFuturology Collection: The Country Postman in the year 2000, c. 1913 (colour litho)

The Country Postman in the year 2000, c. 1913 (colour litho)
CHT224160 The Country Postman in the year 2000, c. 1913 (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: La Poste en l an 2000; ); eArchives Charmet; French



For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Peering into the enigmatic realm of futurology, we unravel the threads of time. From ancient practices like palmistry and astrology, as depicted in a 19th-century palmist's color litho at the British Museum, to the prophetic words of Nostradamus in a black-and-white engraving, we've long been captivated by the allure of predicting the future. Delve deeper into the annals of history, and you'll find intriguing glimpses of the future as imagined in the past. In "The Height of Speculation" and "Groundless Expectations," 19th-century engravings depict fantastical modes of transportation, such as flying machines and underwater journeys. Fast forward to the early 20th century, and the anticipation of air travel is captured in the whimsical "Air-um, Scare-um Travelling." Meanwhile, "The Man in the Moone" offers an illustration of a manned lunar voyage, a testament to the audacious dreams of the age. Even the humble country postman was envisioned as a harbinger of the future in the colorful lithograph "The Country Postman in the Year 2000." And in the pages of "Le Rire," a French satirical magazine, the future was ripe with humor and the unexpected. As we continue to explore the boundless expanse of the future, let us remember the rich tapestry of predictions, dreams, and imaginations that have come before us. The allure remains a captivating and intriguing pursuit, inviting us to ponder the possibilities that lie ahead.