Historical figures get Instagram-ready makeovers (and they're weirdly addictive)

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Have you ever wondered what Henry VIII would look like now? How about Julius Ceasar? It's difficult to imagine figures from history as having been real people. This is partly down to the styling of the era, the formality of their portraits, and also due to the medium used to depict them – it can be hard to connect with a marble sculpture or oil painting. 

But graphic designer Rebecca Saladin has given history new life with her Royalty Now project, which reimagines what historical figures would look like today. A highly original way to approach the art of character design, the results are both amusing and fascinating – so much so we found comparing the new and old artwork weirdly addictive. 

Take a look for yourselves...

Saladin uses Photoshop to photo-manipulate well-known figures from history, bringing them to life with modern dress and styling. The renders bring the subjects firmly into the 21st century, changing the way viewers see, and potentially feel, about them. (To improve your own Photoshop skills, see our piece rounding up the best Photoshop tutorials around).

The Royalty Now Instagram account is packed full of these reimagined historical characters, and there are certainly some names you'll recognise. Queen Elizabeth I is in the mix. Known for her heavy makeup and over-the-top hairpiece, it's amazing to see her her completely stripped back and post-work-drink-ready.

Those curls are a modern take on Queen Elizabeth's usual hairpiece

This transformation of Henry VII into a suit is particularly amusing. A haircut and a smart attire is all it took to bring him up-to-date. 

Henry VII belongs in a business meeting

You can check out more of Saladin's work over on Instagram, which contains renders that are way less disappointing than these real-life renders of animation bedrooms.

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