Famous Icons are Reinterpreted in These Astonishing Portrait
Alexander Lam — May 9, 2013 — Art & Design
References: telegraph & visualnews
If you've ever wondered what famous people from the past would look like if they were alive now, UK's history channel has got you covered with these modern historical figure portraits. Using paintings of famous figures like William Shakespeare and Marie Antoinette, artists worked with historians to create modern equivalents.
Commissioned to promote the television network's new series called 'Secret Life Of,' the paintings depict historical figures with modern fashion and technology. The modernized portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson was given a prosthetic arm and dressed in modern military garb. Henry VIII was tanned and dressed in a tailored navy suit. Mary Antoinette was given breast implants and placed in a modern dress.
Though entertaining, these portraits also provide a comparison between past and current norms.The artists have cleverly highlighted flaws in our modern society with their reinterpretation of historical figures.
Commissioned to promote the television network's new series called 'Secret Life Of,' the paintings depict historical figures with modern fashion and technology. The modernized portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson was given a prosthetic arm and dressed in modern military garb. Henry VIII was tanned and dressed in a tailored navy suit. Mary Antoinette was given breast implants and placed in a modern dress.
Though entertaining, these portraits also provide a comparison between past and current norms.The artists have cleverly highlighted flaws in our modern society with their reinterpretation of historical figures.
Trend Themes
1. Historical Figure Reinterpretation - There is an opportunity for artists and historians to reimagine and modernize historical figures in creative ways to make them more relatable to contemporary audiences.
2. Comparing Past and Current Norms - Using historical figures as a point of reference, there is an opportunity to observe and compare societal norms in the past and present, highlighting both progress and regressions.
3. Entertainment and Education Crossover - By creating educational content in an entertaining and visually engaging way, there is an opportunity to engage younger audiences in learning about history and culture.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Artists have an opportunity to build an audience by reimagining historical figures with a modern twist, potentially leading to new commissions or opportunities for merchandise sales.
2. Entertainment and Media - Using historically accurate portrayals in new and innovative ways can attract viewers and build interest in different forms of entertainment and media.
3. Education and Technology - Technology can be utilized as a tool to educate and engage younger audiences in history, making it more interactive and accessible through visual mediums like video and augmented reality.
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