Have you ever wondered what the faces of famous historical figures might look like? Would they resemble the descriptions in stories or paintings? Unfortunately, due to the absence of modern technology, we cannot capture videos of these historical figures. However, inspired by this idea, Chinese experts have decided to recreate the images of several emperors, well-known figures from various periods of this vast country. By utilizing AI for facial recognition, they have also referenced historical documents and illustrations alongside Photoshop software to accomplish this work.
The results have left many people astonished.
1. Wu Zetian
According to the materials used, as well as illustrations, the empress Wu Zetian was the first female figure in Chinese history to not be portrayed as a mere beauty. In fact, after the AI recreation, it is evident that Wu Zetian has a rather masculine appearance.
2. Liu Bei
Liu Bei is described in “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” as a tall man (approximately 1.65 meters), with no beard, large ears, and prominent eyes, possessing very long arms that reach down to the ground. He is characterized as a man of few words, with a stern expression. However, through the AI-generated images, we can clearly see the distinctive features on Liu Bei’s face, which are much more angular compared to the historical paintings.
3. Guan Yu
The historian La Quan Trung describes Guan Yu as: “He is tall, with a long beard, a face resembling a goose, and a majestic aura.” From the AI-generated images, we do not see many differences compared to the illustrations in ancient texts.
4. Zhang Fei
Philosopher and military strategist Zhuge Liang described Zhang Fei as: “He has a rough appearance, with a loud voice.” The AI recreation does not deviate much from the traditional portrayal of Zhang Fei. His fierce appearance and demeanor are captured distinctly.
5. Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang is depicted in the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” as “a man of high stature, with a bright forehead, and a dignified presence.” The AI recreation shows that Zhuge Liang’s facial features are pretty consistent with historical texts.
6. Li Bai
Interestingly, the image of the “poet immortal” Li Bai post-AI recreation appears quite ordinary. This surprises many admirers of this legendary poet, who typically envision him as ethereal, adorned with a flowing robe, and surrounded by an aura of elegance.
7. Cao Cao
The documentation states that Cao Cao is approximately 1.8 meters tall, with a deep-set face, and sharp features. However, the AI-generated image presents a more conventional depiction of Cao Cao compared to the historical images.
8. Sun Tzu
Scholars and historians have unanimously agreed that Sun Tzu was born in the State of Qi, a renowned strategist whose influence is still felt today. The AI-generated image of Sun Tzu presents him with a sagacious expression, embodying wisdom and authority, which aligns well with historical accounts.
9. Diệu Thuyền
With a stunningly beautiful appearance, Diệu Thuyền has been celebrated as one of the most iconic women in Chinese history. The AI recreation captures Diệu Thuyền’s essence splendidly, showcasing her enchanting beauty that has captivated many throughout the ages.
Source: 163, Toutiao
