Anne Boleyn
There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Anne Boleyn. Namely, what she looked like! While we’re all familiar with seeing the painting of her wearing the “B” necklace, some historians believe that may not have even been her. They think it could have been her sister, Mary. Others think it’s without a doubt her as the other Boleyn paintings we have aren’t of the same person.
Regardless, it’s easy to see how King Henry VIII fell for her. Clearly, if Boleyn was alive today she’d be some sort of influencer – and probably a lot happier with her head since Henry couldn’t do her dirty as he did.
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king who created one of history's largest empires by the age of 30, stretching from Greece to Egypt and into India. His conquests spread Greek culture and influence, marking the beginning of the Hellenistic era.
According to the famous quote, Alexander wept after there were no more worlds left to conquer. However, if this image is any indicator, it looks like Alexander tried his hand as an actor in Hollywood after conquering all those worlds.
Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette is the famous French queen that bought and bought until the nation’s bank account looked like Spaghetti-Os – all zeros. She was queen during the French Revolution and supposedly famously said “Let them eat cake!” Well, I hate to break it to you, but she actually didn’t say that line.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was the first person to put the line into print, and he attributed it to a different high-class woman. Not that Antoinette was a great person – she still was convicted of treason and promptly executed – but at least she wasn’t completely tone-deaf. Considering France at the time, that’s the least she could do.
Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan was the founder of the Mongol Empire, uniting the nomadic tribes of Northeast Asia. His conquests created the largest contiguous empire in history, and his military strategies and governance methods significantly shaped the medieval world.
Could AI make one of the most fearsome men in human history look like a complete goober? Apparently so! This is not Genghis Khan; this is your middle-aged, out-of-shape dad sweating up a storm after walking to the mailbox.
Elizabeth I
No offense to Queen Elizabeth II, but her namesake was easily the best ruler England has ever seen. Queen Elizabeth I brought about a Golden Age where England prospered. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it was better than the nation had seen in a really long time. Plus, she worked hard to maintain peace, which wasn’t easy.
Considering how much she loved the arts, we naturally have a ton of paintings of this pretty lady. Today, she would likely look just as classy. It would certainly be interesting to see Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II have a conversation – both women that ruled one of the strongest nations in the world.
King Arthur
King Arthur is a legendary British leader, often depicted as the ruler of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. His tales, including the quest for the Holy Grail and Excalibur profoundly influenced European literature and medieval history.
In this photo, the legendary King Arthur sure has big, goofy grin for a guy whose wife is constantly cheating on him with his best friend! Maybe he hasn't gotten around to reading the legends about himself yet.
Cleopatra
While her rule may have been the downfall of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of ancient Egypt, Cleopatra has cemented herself as one of the most famous women in the world.
While she no doubt looks beautiful imagined in modern times, it also kind of feels like she's posing for a pretentious selfie. Very unbecoming for the most famous woman to come out of Egypt!
Mona Lisa
So, there are some debates that Mona Lisa wasn’t even a real person, but that’s all Bologna – pun intended. This painting was based on a real Florentine woman by the name of Lisa Gherardini. Apparently, she was Leonardo da Vinci’s muse and model. She had tons of influence over the famous artist.
If she were alive today, she could certainly tell us what her mysterious smile was all about. We love the modern-day image of her because it shows her wild, curly hair in all its glory. It’s easy to see why she was da Vinci’s muse! Then again, if she were alive today, she likely wouldn’t become as famous as she is now.
Frederick Douglass
Most of us read the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass when we were in school. It was one of the most important pieces of literature we likely picked up, but have you ever wondered what he would look like today? As Juneteenth passes to be an official federal holiday, we had to include him.
We love that the artist kept him in a bowtie because he still looks super dapper. Douglass would still likely be very outspoken about current events and still teach about equality. The only difference is that he would be teaching a different generation. However, his work was extremely important, so we’re happy he was there to fight the good fight in the 1800s.
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Girl with a Pearl Earring is a little unique because she isn’t based on a real person. While the artist, Johannes Vermeer, likely had a real model he used as a reference, Girl with a Pearl Earring isn’t based on a single woman, according to some historians. Others believe it may have been Vermeer’s daughter or perhaps his mistress.
Over the years, the painting has been known by many names, and in 2006, the Dutch people deemed it the most beautiful painting in the Netherlands. Today, this beauty would have to be a model (if she were real). With her big blue eyes, we could even see her as a top actress. The world would certainly be her oyster!
Mozart
Where would the world be without Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? Mozart is one of the most prolific composers that has ever lived, and he wrote pieces like "The Magic Flute," "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," "Requiem," and so many more. It’s impossible to get through life without hearing several of his pieces (mostly since they’re often used in movies).
Eventually, Mozart went completely deaf by 44. Maybe if he had lived in modern times, something could have been done to prevent it. That would have given him more time to write more amazing pieces of music. Here we see a younger image of Mozart just as he was becoming famous. He looks sweet!
Pocahontas
Ah, Pocahontas. It was a story we learned from a young age thanks to Disney, but the real story is much less pretty. Born in 1565, her real name was Amonute or Matoaka in private. It's true she was a chief's daughter. Powhatan, her father, was one of the most formidable Native American rulers the English had ever seen.
John Smith wrote about how she'd saved him, but it was years after anyone would be able to dispute the facts. John Smith was actually a pretty crappy guy – the kind you wouldn’t want on your ship across the sea. You’d have to be a bad dude to essentially kidnap and get in a relationship with an 11-year-old girl.
Henry VIII
Considering how quickly King Henry VIII packed on the pounds during his ruling, he likely would have been more than happy to be alive today. They didn’t exactly have Burger King in the 1500s. Would he be offended at “Burger King?” Who knows! Maybe Henry would be more of a McDonald’s man.
Honestly, we’re kinda glad that King Henry VIII isn’t alive today. He didn’t exactly treat his wives with the utmost respect. Plus, Queen Elizabeth II is a pretty great figurehead, so no complaints there. All in all, history worked out decently with this one (although Anne Boleyn probably has a few complaints).
Elizabeth Bathory
Elizabeth Bathory is one of the darkest women in history, and that’s saying a lot. The woman was absolutely coo-coo, and movies have been made to detail her insanity. See, Bathory was the woman who wanted to stay young forever, and she did that by bathing in the blood of young girls.
It was all fine and dandy while she was taking out the lower classes, but when she started picking on the upper tiers, people started to raise questions. It didn’t take long for her downfall after that. Honestly, we’re lucky that she isn’t alive today. We have enough going on as it is.
Julius Caesar
We have tons of statues and artwork to know what Julius Caesar looked like. This Roman dictator actually didn’t rule too long, so he isn’t completely unlike people that are in the news today. All in all, he really only reigned for a couple of years at best. That's pretty surprising given his fame.
Looking at him today, he almost looks like he’d be the CEO of some major corporation – Amazon, perhaps? Okay, so he’s no Jeff Bezos, but you can see it, right? He’s certainly a looker if anything! Wonder if he would still fall head over heels for the modern-day Cleopatra…
Lizzie Borden
Lizzie Borden was an American woman who was famously tried and acquitted for the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her case became a media sensation and remains a significant part of American criminal folklore.
Whether she actually did the deed or not is still controversial. But one thing certainly isn't controversial: that woman should not be given a chainsaw! That's just asking for trouble!
George Washington
With recent musicals and whatnot, George Washington is back in the picture in full force. Some people are just wondering what he would think of the world as it is today. Honestly, we’ve wondered that ourselves. Would one of our Founding Fathers be happy about America? What did he picture when he thought about the future?
Looking at his modern picture, we know he’d certainly stay in his line of work. Then again, there’s plenty of ways to influence a nation. You don’t necessarily have to do it in the House or Senate! We’re glad the artist also kept his rosy cheeks because that’s always been an important part of Washington’s character.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson’s comin’ hooooome! Okay, enough Hamilton. Although, Jefferson would probably still ask, “So what did I miss?” If he were alive today, so much happens day-to-day that it’s almost hard to follow! Unlike some of the other Founding Fathers, Jefferson doesn’t look like he’d stay in the same line of work.
He’d probably be in the C-Suite of some major company. Honestly, he looks like he could lead Tesla into a brand new age. Considering he was one of the earlier presidents of the United States, Jefferson is probably happy about how history ended up. He likely wouldn’t make it today.
Nefertiti
Nefertiti’s bust is one of the most famous pieces of art most of us have seen in pictures or in real life. She was a queen and wife of King Akhenaton. She was immensely important in changing Egypt's polytheistic (multi-god) religion into one that was monotheistic (single god). Talk about a powerful woman!
She’s often depicted as the global icon of feminine beauty and power. Today, she’d still probably be just as strong and independent. We’re not sure whether she would fight for human rights or an actress. Well, why not both?! It wasn’t like celebrities really have to pick one or the other!
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous presidents America has ever seen. While we wouldn’t want to detract from his great achievements, it sure would be interesting to see what he could get accomplished today. His character would still be intact, and that was all about bringing peace to America during a time of great turmoil.
Looking at his modern-day picture, he looks pretty dapper! Honestly, he doesn’t look unlike David Tennant, which is a little strange. One thing is for sure, with the current security protocols to do anything nowadays, Lincoln would be able to enjoy a play in peace! Maybe he would be a fan of Hamilton.
Grace Kelly
Few people are as beautiful as Grace Kelly, including both men and women. This film actress was absolutely stunning and starred in massively popular films during the early to mid-'50s from Rear Window to High Society. Later in her life, she married Prince Rainier III and became the Princess of Monaco. You get yours, Kelly!
It’s hard to imagine what she would look like today because she was so classy in the ‘50s. That being said, today, she would likely maintain the same poise and elegance. With her natural makeup to her beautiful braided hair, Grace would still catch the eye of some high-powered prince.
Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. As Emperor of France, he established the Napoleonic Code and expanded the French Empire across Europe.
In this photo, Napoleon doesn't look so much like a world conquerer as he does as a New England deck hand! Times have been tough for the big guy since Waterloo!
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl who led French forces to key victories during the Hundred Years' War, inspired by divine visions. Captured and executed by the English, she became a martyr and symbol of French unity, later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
In this modern-day photo, Joan of Arc doesn't really look like she's divinely inspired and leading an army into battle. Instead, she just kinda looks like a rando at some annoying protest. The modern world isn't always kind to our historical heroes!
Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great was Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796. She is known for modernizing Russia, and her reign is considered a Golden Age of Russian culture and political power.
In this photo, Catherine looks perfectly regal, if not a little boring. Is she the Empress of Russia or an extra in the background of a scene on Bridgerton?
Shaka Zulu
Shaka Zulu was the founder of the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa. Renowned for his military innovations and strategies, he transformed the Zulu tribe into a powerful and centralized state, significantly altering the region's dynamics and expanding its influence during the early 19th century.
Unfortunately for King Shaka, in the modern day, he looks more like he manages a small team at a tech startup that doesn't really do anything. I imagine it's an easier life than ruling a kingdom in the 1800s, but when's the last time you got to wield a iklwa at a white-collar job?
Aristotle
Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher and student of Plato. His works on logic, metaphysics, ethics, and natural sciences laid the foundation for Western intellectual tradition.
In this modern-day photo, Aristotle looks like he's more interested in pondering the cosmos instead of pondering the mind.
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901. She presided over the British Empire's expansion, making it the largest empire in history, and left a lasting legacy on British society and governance.
Now listen, if we were royals, we would take every chance to savor that experience. That being said, does the good Queen really need her crown on just to enjoy a cup of tea on the balcony? Seems a bit extra.
Charlemagne
Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was King of the Franks and Lombards and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire. He united much of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire, promoted education and Christianity, and laid the foundations for modern European states.
This is one photo that looks very much as expected. Whether he's in the 700s or the 2020s, the man has clearly seen a thing or two! We imagine that a lot of rulers end up looking this tired and haggard.
Hammurabi
Hammurabi was the sixth king of the Babylonian Empire, reigning from 1792 to 1750 BC. He is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most comprehensive written legal codes, which established laws and justice principles, significantly influencing future legal systems.
Obviously Hammurabi lived well before the invention of photography, but we have a hard time believing he would just look like some random dude! Judging by this image, you might not even recognize him if you passed him on the street!
Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf was a pioneering British writer, known for novels like Mrs. Dalloway and Orlando Her innovative narrative techniques, including stream of consciousness writing, profoundly influenced 20th-century literature.
In this photo, Woolf looks just as miserable and morose as she did during her actual era! You would think with all our technological advancements since her time she might want to give plastic surgery a try, but apparently not!