15 portraits of personalities of the past that differ from those we know well (16 photos)

I suggest you look at some interesting comparisons. On the left are the portraits that are most often found online and in history books. On the right are portraits that are in less demand. Although, perhaps, after studying they will interest you much more.





In many educational and cultural institutions we can see portraits of famous historical figures, among whom are writers, generals, scientists and other important personalities. Many of these images are familiar to us from school, thanks to which their images remain in our memory for many years. However, have you ever thought that there are less popular portraits of these people that show their images from an atypical side? Of course, no one can argue with the views of artists. However, it is worth noting that some of the works turned out to be somewhat unusual, and it is difficult to recognize the figure depicted on them.

Writer Nikolai Gogol



More than anything else, Nikolai Gogol was ashamed of his nose. Therefore, it is not surprising that he looks completely different in all the portraits. Probably, with the help of artists, the writer planned to confuse future biographers, not allowing them to find out the truth.

Tsar Peter I the Great





Peter the Great came up with an extremely interesting way to combat drunkenness. Boyars caught in this vice were punished with a medal, which was hung around their neck and not removed for some time. It is noteworthy that such a medal weighed about seven kilograms. It was impossible to remove it - a reliable lock did not allow this.

Empress Catherine II



King Philip IV of France



King Henry VIII of England



Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I



Poet Alexander Pushkin



Writer and playwright William Shakespeare



It’s curious, but not everyone liked Shakespeare’s works. For example, Leo Tolstoy harshly criticized the playwright and dedicated a devastating essay to his works.

Commander Alexander Suvorov



Composer Ludwig van Beethoven



Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart



Commander Napoleon I Bonaparte



Some biographical information mentions that Napoleon was Italian (namely Corsican) rather than French. His original name sounds like Napoleone Buonaparte.

King Charles XII of Sweden



Writer Jonathan Swift



Bonus: Queen Elizabeth II



The portrait of the queen (the one on the right) was painted by the famous artist Lucian Freud (grandson of Sigmund Freud). It drew harsh criticism when it was put on public display. The work was criticized by the British press, but, nevertheless, was exhibited at the Royal Collection of Paintings.

Elizabeth II patiently posed for the artist for 19 long months. The result is a tiny and rather specific portrait. It is worth saying that the queen herself was not very enthusiastic about this work of art.