What 15 Famous People We Know Only Through Art Actually Looked Like

Our idea of historical figures is usually shaped by grand portraits, imposing sculptures, and movie versions enhanced with flawless styling and historically questionable costumes. But beneath that polished image lies a far more compelling reality. By piecing together all known historical descriptions, we’ve reimagined how these famous individuals probably appeared — stripped of artistic exaggeration and fantasy.

1. Mary Boleyn, the sister of Anne Boleyn

Henry VIII’s famous wife had a sister who might have looked like this.

2. Vlad the Impaler

And here’s what the infamous Romanian ruler actually might look like.

3. Nefertiti

Here’s what the famous queen of Egypt might look like, according to historians.

4. Madame du Barry

And this is what young Madame du Barry might really look like.

5. Catherine the Great

Here is what, according to historians’ descriptions, the future empress might look like.

6. Marie Antoinette

And here’s what Louis XVI’s wife might look like, according to historians.

7. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

According to contemporaries, the composer was distinguished not only by his uncommon talent, but also by his appearance.

8. Roxelana

The renowned beauty Roxelana enchanted those around her with her looks, though the standards of beauty were quite different at the time.

9. Lucrezia Borgia

And this is what a Borgia daughter might really look like.

10. Catherine de’ Medici

Based on historical analyses, one of the most influential Florentines might look like this.

11. Isaac Newton

Historians believe that the famous scientist might look like this in reality.

12. Joséphine Bonaparte

Napoleon’s wife, according to historical descriptions, might look like this.

13. Sandro Botticelli

According to the opinions of historians available to us, one of the most prominent Florentine artists might look like this.

14. Diane de Poitiers

And this is what the French king’s favorite might look like in reality.

15. Leonidas I

And here’s how the king of the Ancient Greek city-state of Sparta might have actually looked.

Check out our other article where we reimagined Old Hollywood icons as modern celebrities — the results are absolutely striking.