Have you ever thought about what historical figures would look like in today’s world? If you have then you are not alone. A graphic designer called Becca Saladin has reimagined what some of the most iconic historical people would look like if we were to see them now. Certainly seems like Becca has always been interested in history.
Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by history 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 those long gone, and more.
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.”
Becca Saladin started Royalty Now back in 2019.
Since then she has recreated historical figures like Anne Boleyn. She started Royalty Now
“simply as a way for me to see my favorite historical figure, Anne Boleyn, as a modern woman. 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 members 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.
Since creating Anne Boleyn, she has created many other portraits. So, take a look at some of Becca Saladin’s amazing creations.
Julius Caesar
Alexander The Great
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!”
Queen Elizabeth I
Jane Austen
Mary, Queen Of Scots
Anne Boleyn
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.”
Louis XIV, The Sun King
Empress Elisabeth Of Austria
Katherine Of Aragon
Catherine Parr
Louis XV
Marie Antionette
The Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov
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.”
This is Becca’s Version of 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.”
Queen Isabella Of Castile
Abraham Lincoln
Madame Du Barry
“This is Madame du Barry – the official mistress of Louis XV after his first love, Madame de Pompadour’s death.”
Katherine Howard
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.”
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?”
Caligula
“Caligula, infamous brat and Roman Emperor.”
Benjamin Franklin
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.”
Henry VIII
Grace Kelly
“Grace Kelly, American film actress and Princess of Monaco.”
Mona Lisa
So, what do you think about Becca Saladin’s portraits? Let us know.
You can find out more information through her Instagram and Patreon.