Posted on 07/24/2020 2:05:23 PM PDT by Joe 6-pack
Dutch photographer and digital artist Bas Uterwijk shines a light on what iconic figures from history might have looked like in real life. By using various digital manipulation tools, he is able to create photorealistic portraits of famous artists, leaders, mummies, philosophical thinkers, and even the models of paintings.
Based in Amsterdam, Uterwijk has a background in computer graphics, 3D animation, and special effects. He uses a well-known image of each subject to transform them into a photographic portrait. For instance, the enigmatic Mona Lisa is reimagined as a real person with barely-there brows, luminescent skin, and bright eyes. Even some of the most famous sculptures from art history receive a makeover, like Michelangelo’s David and the Statue of Liberty—the latter of whom is represented in characteristic blue tones reminiscent of her real-life patina.
Additionally, Uterwijk uses painting as inspiration for some of his portrayals of historical figures. The French military leader and emperor Napoleon Bonaparte is immediately recognizable in his stoic expression and official uniform, just like his official portrait by Jacques-Louis David. Similarly, the digital artist infuses the painting of Italian philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli with incredible lifelike vibrancy and emotion. Each one of Uterwijk’s stunning digital portraits adds a new layer of intrigue to these prominent characters.
Scroll down to see more digital portraits of iconic figures and follow Uterwijk on Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with his latest creations.
Macchiavelli looks like Adrian Belew in his prime.
Miss Liberty! VaVaVoom!
He should have done an entire series for Doomguy, showing him gradually getting beaten up. Some modder could stick it in a real Doom game :-D
It is an attractive sneer.
Really. Quite beautiful.
Interesting article.
That is the kind of artist I aspire to be. Unfortunately, I’m nowhere near.
Van Gogh cut off his left ear, so that is a ‘before’ recreation. Might of been interesting to show it as an ‘after’ instead.
Uh oh, looks like Jesus Christ was not black or looked a Lands End model.
Van Gogh looks like Gen Sherman. Same crazed eyes.
I kind of thought the same thing. He really looks like the guy History Channel had play Sherman a few years back.
David, according to this, was absolutely gorgeous!
LL gives off a Sophia Loren vibe
Miss Liberty looks Italian.
I was thinking Peter Stryk, only slightly less demonic.
Peach
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