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Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by historical facts and archaeology. I think humans perceive the past as a series of events; something like a movie that we can’t really feel or touch. I believe the things that bring us closer to the past are those that truly humanize us - the bodies from Pompeii, the perfectly preserved Inca mummies, the personal objects of long-gone historical figures, and more.

I’ve always thought how incredible it would be to see historical events and the famous people the way they actually happened and the way they actually looked. I started Royalty Now in February of 2019, simply as a way for me to see my favorite historical figure, Anne Boleyn, as a woman of modern times. I wanted to know if she could come to life from the few pale, flat portraits we have of her. I started the account to satisfy my own curiosity about what those interesting people of the past would look like if they were standing right in front of me. I’m incredibly thankful for the support and interest the account has received, and can’t wait to see what happens next with other historical people.

More info: Instagram

#1

Nefertiti

Nefertiti

"This bust of Nefertiti (believed to have been sculpted during her lifetime) is famous for its grace and beauty. Nefertiti lived from approximately 1370 - 1330 BC. She was an Egyptian queen and the wife of Akhenaten, an Egyptian Pharaoh. Akhenaten is famous for his attempt to transition Egypt into a monotheistic society (worshipping only the sun god, Aten), instead of a polytheistic one."

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#4

Alexander The Great

Alexander The Great

"I did some research on his looks and it is recorded that he had curly golden hair and heterochromia (one eye blue and one eye brown or a combo of both), so he was definitely a striking figure."

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#5

Agrippina The Younger

Agrippina The Younger

"Agrippina the Younger is someone I only recently learned more about but she had a crazy life. She was the sister of Emperor Caligula and the mother of Emperor Nero. I highly recommend giving her a search if you’re interested in that era of Roman history!"

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ju Hel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her (I think 3rd) husband changed her birthplace, a small village, into a roman city in her name. The oppidum ubiorum became Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, CCAA. Today known as Cologne (Köln)

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#8

Mary, Queen Of Scots

Mary, Queen Of Scots

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Lauren Moss
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love that you can see the resemblence between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth I!

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#9

Madame De Pompadour

Madame De Pompadour

"Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour. She first caught the eye of Louis XV at a masked ball in 1745 (it was said that she was dressed as a domino, and he was dressed as a plant) and was his chief mistress thereafter until 1751. Even after she was no longer Louis' mistress, she was a trusted friend, confidante, and advisor, essentially becoming one of the most powerful women at the French court until her death in 1764."

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#10

Empress Elisabeth Of Austria

Empress Elisabeth Of Austria

"During her life, Elisabeth (known as Sisi), was known for being beautiful, smart, rebellious and passionate. Definitely worth some digging into if you are interested in late 1800s Europe."

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#12

Katherine Of Aragon

Katherine Of Aragon

"This portrait of Katherine of Aragon, wife of King Henry VIII and Queen of England from 1509-1533, has always been my favorite. There are several portraits of her that all range in looks, so it’s hard to tell her true likeness. I think this one captures her piety, meekness, and obedience as documented by historians."

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#13

Louis XV

Louis XV

"Louis XV is lesser known than his predecessor the Sun King and his heir, Louis XVI, but he was the second-longest reigning monarch in French history. I have always known him by his famous mistresses, Madame De Pompadour and Madame du Barry."

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Seabeast
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He loved working with his hands, apparently. He'd probably have been a mechanic, carpenter, or worked at some other trade in modern times. Maybe a mechanical engineer, if he did go white collar.

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#14

Catherine Parr

Catherine Parr

"She was the only wife to outlive the king, who was tyrannical in his last years."

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Viviane
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anne of Cleves outlived him as well. She got the best deal: Henry VIII annulled the marriage within a year, gave her some nice properties, a title, and honorary membership to the family as "the King's Beloved Sister" (invitations to court without the hassle of being married to someone toxic).

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#17

Queen Isabella Of Castile

Queen Isabella Of Castile

"Queen Isabella of Castile, partner to Ferdinand II of Aragon and the queen who sent Columbus on his way to the “new world” in 1492. "

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#18

Emperor Augustus

Emperor Augustus

"Emperor Augustus (born Octavius, the great-nephew of Julius Caesar) was the first emperor of Rome, ending 500 years of republic. He’s an incredibly controversial figure, especially due to the smart and ruthless way he came to power, but he ruled over a time of relative peace in the Roman empire."

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#19

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

"Abe Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis. He preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy."

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#20

Christina Of Denmark

Christina Of Denmark

"Christina of Denmark, seen here in an original Hans Holbein portrait, lived from 1521 - 1590. Christina was considered as a possible bride for King Henry VIII of England. Christina was not fond of the English King's reputation, given that he had divorced his first wife and beheaded his second wife. The originator of one of the greatest quotes about King Henry in history, Christina famously said: "If I had two heads, one should be at the King of England's disposal." What an amazing denial to a marriage proposal."

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#21

Katherine Howard

Katherine Howard

"Katherine Howard (c. 1523 – 13 February 1542) was Queen of England for only 16 months as the fifth wife of Henry VIII. Katherine was actually the cousin of Henry's second wife, Anne Boleyn. When they married, he was 49 and she only 16 or 17. Katherine was accused of adultery and executed by the King, ending her short reign as the Queen of England."

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#22

Eleanor Of Toledo

Eleanor Of Toledo

"Eleanor of Toledo was an astonishing woman. Originally from Toledo, Spain, she was a bride to a famous member of the Medici Family, Cosimo I de Medici. Her husband regularly consulted with her on matters of politics, and she even served as consort during his time away from Florence."

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#23

Madame Du Barry

Madame Du Barry

"This is Madame du Barry - the official mistress of Louis XV after his first love, Madame de Pompadour’s death."

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#24

Caligula

Caligula

"Caligula, infamous brat and Roman Emperor."

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Christoph Lindemann
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You could have just postet a picture of Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones). They look pretty much alike.

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#25

Napoleon

Napoleon

"Did you know that Napoleon was most likely 5'7"? That's taller than King Louis XIV. Some say his perceived smaller stature was due to him looking small in comparison to his huge accomplishments. Others say there was an error when translating his true height from French to English. Who do you think he looks like here?"

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#26

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

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#28

King Henry VII

King Henry VII

"Here we are with Henry VII, the first tudor monarch, a frequent request from you all. Henry was the last king of England to attain the throne in battle after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485."

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Sunny Hernandez
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank God for Princess Di and Kate Middleton. Inbreeding leads to so much ugliness. 😁

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#29

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa

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Patrick O'Brien
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Close, but if I met the likeness, I'm not sure the first thing I would think of is Mona Lisa. The shape of the face is not quite right and her expression lacks the subtlety of the original.

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Jim Ellington
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but this is not even close. Da Vinci can be relied on to be a rather accurate portrait artist.

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Mama Panda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her eyes are too close together in the recreation. Making Mona lose weight was not a good idea.

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Tony Whincup
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People would be staring at her in real life thinking "where do I know this woman from ? She looks so familiar ".

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Ria Jayne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naw, this isn't right - the face is too long, eyes too close, head too high. Some of the others are stunning, but this isn't right.

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Nick McPherran
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently saw a animated version of Mona Lisa, in movement. A computerized simulation of personality, based on features and facial expression. It was then clear why DaVinci painted her. Her femininity, and subtle beauty were obvious. More beautiful than the actual painting, it was her mannerisms, that were captivating.

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Lithae
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just did a search on youtube and wow... the AI generated animation, especially the middle one. She's a lot more beautiful than I would have expected.

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Todd Johnson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's TOTALLY her hot sister. Giving way too much leeway on Mona. The 1st could be Mona Lisa as a later teen, while the latter is Mona Lisa thinning out in good shape in her late 20s/early 30s looking way better. Or, again, her hotter sister. Or what she wishes she looked like. :)

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Nancy Alborell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's a bit too thin and the eyebrows, well, ladies these days probably would paint them that dark but they look really fake.

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Mehlinda Heartt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

people it is what would they look like today, yes they would dye their hair, yes they would wear makeup, and do their eyebrows and wear modern clothes, so forget their old hair color and no eyebrows, If I was Mona I would add some brows and fix my hair too

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Terry Melvin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You always wonder what Mona Lisa is thinking, in her painting. As a real girl she would be thought of as being rather ordinary. Maybe that's her charm?

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Helena Meykens Rajewski
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are all the faces of the modern versions slightly thinner. Bugs the s**t out of me

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Helen Chappell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When this was painted, it was fashionable to pluck out your eyebrows and hairline.

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Brandi Williams
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what a difference eyebrows make , usually the absence of a dark brow insinuates a blonde.

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Shelley Adams
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Missing the “because I said so, you fool” expression. (It’s not in the eyes.)

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Jose Arce
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the original is heavier why did you do her now pic skinnier and better looking????

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Claudia Emma Ypsilon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.thalia-theater.de/ueber-uns/ensemble/darsteller/marina-galic

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Emma Pham
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

her hair isn't that straight or silver and her face isn't that angular also a round of applause to da vinci for forgetting to paint her eyebrows unless she didn't have any

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Kris Bradbury
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of the others were spot on, this one is spot off.... the "new version's" face is more slender, the forehead is less dominant, she looks as if she had a modern nose job and her hair doesn't have the same texture as Mona Lisa. Oh well....

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Deena Jones
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mona Lisa is probably the male artist painting himself as a woman. In the Louvre, there are other paintings by the artist, including a self portrait that looks very similar to the Mona Lisa.

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Jeremy Whitley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The real Mona Lisa had a line tattooed on her forehead. #fakenews

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Jude Weber
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The eyebrows gives the present day version a much prettier look, where Mona Lisa, original, either has very fine hair above her eyes, which looks like no eyebrows at all. I love the mouth, I do think that was captured very well, and the nose. But in all the photos, the hair is very beautiful, which I seriously doubt any of these originals had. While Mona Lisa's hair is just parted in the middle, and hangs straight down, the painting on the right has hair that is soft, fluffy, and literally gives this woman a beautiful and "soft" look. While Mona Lisa looks masculine, the Mona Lisa painting is beautiful and very feminine.

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Tyrone Bunce
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or, as I like to refer to her....., ‘La Giaconda’ .... Quite a ‘nice’ bit o crumpet....... 👍😁😉

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🐼NaeNae🐼
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The eyes are different! She doesn't have eybrows in the og. She got some blush. This is not Mona Lisa.

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Carole Mclean-Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her real face is rounder-very close but you have made her face more oblong and slimmer.

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Friedlander Rosenzweig
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d like to see if who she’d go for- Jerry or George. Gawd, just not Kramer, please!

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Fiona McDonald
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

completely wrong head shape and eyebrows and hair - I don't really see the resemblance

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Denise Williams
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her hair appears curly in the original. Her nose shape and facial shape changed.

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Proportions of the face are slightly off. Doesn't look like the Mona Lisa.

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Ray Johnson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she clearly has curly hair, dos curly hair not exist anymore.

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Seabeast
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The original has no eyebrows. I don't know if they plucked them out completely back then or she had hypothyroidism.

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Jon S.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Xrays of the painting show the original had eyebrows. Retouches made them harder to see.

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#30

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly

"Grace Kelly, American film actress and Princess of Monaco."

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Jim Kang
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look, she doesn't need you to "improve" her look. She was, and still is stunning.

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Note: this post originally had 39 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.