What Would Leonardo da Vinci, Alexander the Great, or Van Gogh Look Like in the 21st Century?
In the 4.0 era, terms like artificial intelligence or AI seem quite familiar to people.
Artificial intelligence utilizes vast Big Data systems to store enormous amounts of data during the data collection and learning processes from humans. Thanks to these large data systems, AI can operate intelligently and adapt to various forms of data and different environments.
It is evident that AI is not merely a logical computer program; it also encompasses human intelligence. AI can think, reason, solve problems, and communicate with humans. Due to these superior features, AI offers immense benefits.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has many superior features, making it applicable in various fields. (Photo: AP).
In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence in the field of painting design has seen significant development. However, the creative processes in painting design are still mostly controlled by humans. To explore the practical application of AI models in creative designs, artist Becca Saladin from Royalty Now Studios conducted an experiment combining artificial intelligence with art, history, design, and Photoshop to create 21st-century portraits of over 100 historical figures.
We have seen portraits of Alexander the Great, Queen Victoria, William Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, and countless others many times, but have you ever wondered how these figures would look in modern times? Let’s find out!
1. Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great (356 BC – 323 BC) was the son of Emperor Philip II, who shaped and built the kingdom of Macedonia. Although he lived only 33 years and reigned for 13 years, he is always regarded as one of the greatest emperors of the Argead dynasty in ancient Greek history. He is considered one of the most successful military commanders and one of the most brilliant strategic minds in human history.
Alexander the Great in the 21st century, as depicted by AI, appears quite handsome. (Photo: Royalty Now Studios)
Alexander the Great is celebrated as a great military leader because he rarely lost a battle during his more than 13 years of conquest. Even until his death, Alexander had led his army to conquer nearly the entire world known to the Greeks at that time.
In the AI-generated image of Alexander the Great in the 21st century, he appears quite handsome with a high forehead and tanned skin.
2. William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) was an English writer and playwright, regarded as the greatest writer in English literature and a playwright ahead of his time. Shakespeare’s career brought him world records that he probably never imagined during his lifetime. As of 2014, he was the most “popular” playwright in the world, with revenue from his plays and poetry exceeding four billion pounds in nearly 400 years since his death. He is also the third most translated author in history.
AI depicts a modern William Shakespeare looking very scholarly and elegant. (Photo: Royalty Now Studios)
In contrast to the old portrait featuring an earring that gives a rather bohemian impression, the modern image shows him wearing glasses, looking very intellectual and sophisticated.
3. Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo Da Vinci (1452 – 1519) was an Italian painter, sculptor, architect, musician, physician, engineer, anatomist, inventor, and natural philosopher. He is regarded as the most versatile genius in human history. He is the author of famous paintings such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
AI imagines that if Leonardo Da Vinci were in the 21st century, he would have this stylish appearance. (Photo: Royalty Now Studios)
He had ideas that were ahead of his time, especially concerning concepts such as helicopters, tanks, parachutes, solar energy, computers, topographic theory designs, and many other inventions. Some of his designs were realized and deemed feasible during his lifetime. Additionally, he made significant contributions to knowledge and understanding in anatomy, astronomy, civil engineering, optics, and hydraulics.
Leonardo Da Vinci, as portrayed by AI in the 21st century, possesses a cool style with a black t-shirt and long hair over his shoulders.
4. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791) was a renowned Austrian composer. He is also one of the most influential figures in European classical music. His works are considered masterpieces in genres such as piano, chamber music, symphonic music, sacred music, and opera.
The genius composer Mozart looks great with the short hair depicted by AI. (Photo: Royalty Now Studios)
In the AI-generated image, the genius composer Mozart looks much more handsome with short hair than with his previously long, curly locks.
5. Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890) was a famous Dutch painter. Influenced by Impressionist painters, he developed his own instinctive and spontaneous style during that period. Van Gogh became one of the most famous artists of the 20th century and played a significant role in the development of modern art. Many of his works consistently appear on lists of the most famous, beloved, and valuable artworks in the world.
AI preserves the classic look of the great painter Vincent Van Gogh. (Photo: Royalty Now Studios)
The portrait of this great painter, as seen through the “eyes” of AI, retains its classic appearance with little change from the previous era.
