Portrait Of Jean Alexandre (1909) and Johnny Depp
The idea of a lookalike that is unrelated to you, also known as a doppelgänger, existing has fascinated people for years. Aside for the possibility of a twin roaming the planet at the same time, it’s even eerier when they can be found exist in works of art from centuries past.
Thanks to the Google Arts and Culture app, there is a feature that gives downloaders a way to match a selfie portrait with a famous historic portrait. Once this app was launched, even celebrities got on board. Check out which paintings bear an uncanny resemblance to some of today’s biggest names in Hollywood…
Portrait of Johann Vogt (1628) and Robert De Niro
Johnny Depp is one star that has more than one doppelgänger on this list. Modigliani’s 1909 portrayal of Jean Alexandre resembles the decorated actor from facial expressions to the relaxed posture he seems to take.
Modigliani’s style of painting and his use of color breathe freshness into his somewhat distorted characters. Despite the slight distortion in most of his portraits, a very distinct similarity exists between Alexandre and Depp in the way they capture audiences with a wistful stare.
Portrait of King Louis XIV (1701) and Edward Norton
Robert De Niro’s 17th century doppelgänger was also a man of considerable power and influence. Johann Vogt sat for this painting in 1628, being a member of the influential Vogt family, who were wealthy landowners and diplomats of their time.
Add a mustache and a pointy beard, and you have side-by-side portraits of two different Robert De Niros. We have to wonder if Vogt had a talent for portraying varied characters with the same intense stare and facial features as his contemporary.
Elzbieta Szemplinska (1939) and Nicole Kidman
Hyacinthe Rigaud was one of the most important French Baroque painters of his time. He had King Louis XIV sit for several portraits during his reign, but it is the one he created in 1701 that captured our attention.
In this portrait of the French monarch, he is portrayed in simple royal regalia, and a pleasant smile sported by the king is mimicked in his doppelgänger, Edward Norton. Even in stature, the two bear an uncanny resemblance to one another.
Portrait of Soutine (1917) and Adam Driver
Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz, otherwise known as Witkacy, was a well-known philosopher and painter that was active before and during World War I. His portrayal of famous Polish poet Elzbieta Szemplinska portrays her as regal and mysterious.
The same air of regal mystery can be seen on actress Nicole Kidman. Her character portrayal of Satine in Moulin Rouge resulted in a Golden Globe. She and the Polish poet seem to be carbon copies of one another.
American Gothic (1930) and Amy Schumer
The Italian artist Modigliani earned a place in art history with his oddly-stretched and discolored portrait paintings. Some may find his works disconcerting, and were even featured in a scene in the horror film It.
This Portrait of Soutine seems to bear a striking resemblance to award-winning actor Adam Driver. Though Driver does not convey the same sense of fear outside of his portrayal as Kylo Ren in the recent Star Wars trilogy, we can’t argue that their facial features have some similarities.
Self Portrait of Zygmunt Waliszewski (early 1900s) and Benedict Cumberbatch
Comedian Amy Schumer is certainly a household name, but she also has a famous doppelgänger hanging in the Art Institute of Chicago. American Gothic, one of the most famous works of the 20th Century, is a tribute to Midwestern values and strength amidst adversity.
Grant Wood, artist and creator of the painting, used his sister and dentist for inspiration in creating the iconic couple. The comedian’s eyes, nose, facial structure, seem to match perfectly with the woman in American Gothic‘s almost-unamused expression.
Lady In Blue (1900) and Maggie Smith
Zygmunt Waliszewski, a Polish painter born in 1897, developed an interest in and passion for painting while living in Paris. It was there that he copied works of established masters on display at the Louvre.
His self-portrait was one of a few originals that he created in his time, and with the exception of the red turban that he donned, he is a sure ringer for British-born Benedict Cumberbatch, who was born nearly forty years after the painter’s death.
The Soul Of The Rose (1908) and Jessica Chastain
Lady In Blue is one of the last female portraits that Paul Cezanne did in his lifetime. It now hangs at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The painting was created to honor Cezanne’s childhood governess, Madame Bremond.
Madame Bremond and Maggie Smith look like they could have been twins. Smith an on-screen icon and award-winning actress particularly looks like a striking double to the painting, especially when dressed in her Downton Abbey attire.
Sir David Wilkie’s Self Portrait (1804) and Rupert Grint
English artist John William Waterhouse is well known for his Romantic style as he portrays soft images and vibrant colors. The Soul Of The Rose may not be a historical figure, but she draws the audience in to her passionate tryst with a single rose.
Actress Jessica Chastain has the same type complexion as the woman in Waterhouse’s painting. Combine that with some serious acting chops and a Juliard education, and you have an association worth mentioning.
Carl Adolph Feilberg (1835) and John Krasinski
Scot-born David Wilkie rose to fame by painting accurate depictions of historical events. It’s a very secure artist that can take on his own self-portrait, and he did a fantastic job of immortalizing himself at the young age of twenty.
Rupert Grint has a world-renowned face, not just for his striking resemblance to Sir David Wilkie, but for his role in the Harry Potter movie franchise. Millions of viewers have watched him grow before our very eyes, so it does seem like the young Grint and Wilke could almost be twins.
La Scapigliata (1508) and Drew Barrymore
Christian Kobke, a Danish painter, created the portrait of Carl Adolph Feilberg when the subject was only 25 years old. Feilberg was a Danish businessman who founded Falkonergardens Fabrikker in 1842.
If we were to suit up John Krasinski with period-specific clothing, we’d see that a side-by-side comparison with this painting would make the two virtually indistinguishable from one another. Krasinski also happened to have a professional breakthrough at the age of 25, when audiences worldwide started watching him as Jim Halpert on the hit series The Office.
Sebastian de Morra (1644) and Peter Dinklage
Perhaps Drew Barrymore knew Leonardo Da Vinci in a former life, for it’s hard to deny the resemblance between Da Vinci’s La Scapigliata and the famous actress. Da Vinci’s muse has the same charm that translates well in print and on screen.
Barrymore’s character in the Cinderella story Ever After is loosely based on this character. Delicate features, a coy smile, and likability bring Da Vinci’s leading lady to life in modern-day film.
Portrait Of Count Ludwig (1513) and Alan Rickman
Sebastian de Morra was a dwarf and court jester in the court of Phillip IV. Captured with the expert brush strokes of Diego Velazquez, the painting depicts a direct challenge to those who held him in a position of subservience for most of his life.
Peter Dinklage, who played a famous dwarf of Tyrion Lannister on Game Of Thrones fame has a very distinctive look about him as well. The role earned as the cunning and intelligent man with a plan earned him multiple Emmy
The Kiss Of Judas (1306) and Ron Perlman
Little is known about the rise of Louis I, Count of Lowenstein, except that he has two surviving branches of his house that exist to this day. It was customary for lords and ladies to sit for portraits during this time, so we have this likeness to enjoy.
This portrait is considered one of Hans Baldung’s crowning achievements, and he created a work of art that closely resembles late, beloved actor Alan Rickman. From the wry expression to the trademark distinguished nose, these two are a similar pair.
Portrait Of Lorenzo de’ Medici (1533) and Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Kiss Of Judas is a painting that exists inside the Arena Chapel in Padua, Italy. It portrays an energy-infused moment where Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus, setting in motion a chain of events that let to the latter’s crucifixion.
In the painting, a distinctive looking Judas gives Jesus a kiss of greeting, identifying him as the one needing to be sacrificed. His unique facial features are almost identical to actor Ron Perlman of Beauty And The Beast fame.
Portrait Of George Gage (1623) and Tilda Swinton
One of Giorgio Vasari’s most significant works is the Portrait Of Lorenzo de’ Medici, a cultured patron of Italian high society. His thorough description of this citizen gives us insight into his stature and the daily life of a nobleman.
Perhaps it’s the image angle, or the distinctive jawline that pairs Lorenzo de Medici with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both are depicted as powerful men with a bit of societal influence, though we doubt that de Medici took place in bodybuilding competitions.
The Desperate Man (1845) and Johnny Depp
In 1623, artist Anthony van Dyck created the Portrait of George Gage. Refined features and a nonchalant stance indicate that Gage was a self-confident man who was used to being doted on by other members of the court.
Amazingly, George Gage very closely resembles Tilda Swinton, an actress who is no stranger to playing character roles with non-specific gender identities. Her distinguished appearance makes her stand out in every film she’s in.
Paul Mounet (1875) and Keanu Reeves
The portrait of The Desperate Man by Gustave Coubet is actually a self-portrait created by the artist himself. Using his own likeness as inspiration for some of his early works, he was able to refine his style and artistic process.
Thick, lustrous hair, deep soulful eyes and facial hair immediately bring to mind actor Johnny Depp. These two characters seem to be kindred spirits as they both embody the bohemian lifestyle.
Portrait Of A Man (1510) and Joaquin Phoenix
There’s a rumor floating around the internet that Keanu Reeves is immortal. He shows up across history, posing for various paintings and in publications where his countenance shines from the page.
Interestingly enough, Paul Mounet depicts a man who was also well known for his acting abilities. Reeves had appeared in several Shakespearean productions such as Othello and Hamlet before going on to star in The Matrix and John Wick movies.
Portrait Of Mary Zouch (1543) and Dakota Fanning
Franciabigio was an Italian painter who lived and created during the Florentine Renaissance. Among his many artistic works sits a stunning portrayal of a gentleman entitled Portrait Of A Man.
The dark, brooding nature of this man’s countenance reminds us of an accomplished actor who dedicates himself to perfecting each character he plays. Joaquin Phoenix has the same air of intensity about him, making these two individuals a perfect pairing.
The Arnolfini Portrait (1434) and Vladimir Putin
The “Portrait Of Mary Zouch” might be an actual depiction of the woman known as Mary Zouch herself. Renaissance artist Hans Holbein the Younger’s painting of the woman who served as a lady-in-waiting for Queen of England Jane Seymour makes us see the resemblance to actress Dakota Fanning.
Fanning has been on the Hollywood scene since her childhood, with early roles in films such as I Am Sam, Man on Fire, and War of The Worlds. Audiences have seen her grow up before our very eyes, with her fair skin and blonde hair lending themselves to portray a variety of characters.
Self Portrait of Barent Fabritius (1650) and Michael Jackson
The Arnolfini Portrait is a famous depiction of a diplomatic union created by Jan van Eyck. It is considered one of the most complex paintings in Western art due to its sophisticated imagery and size. The figure in black is the one making this list for his resemblance to a prominent political figure.
Arnolfini has the same dignified air about him as Russian president Vladimir Putin. Putin may not be a 15th century merchant living in Bruges, but you could easily swap him out for the gentleman in the portrait.
The Condottiero (1475) and Elijah Wood
Barent Fabritius was a Dutch painter who reportedly studied with Rembrandt. He enjoyed painting pieces that had ties to Biblical history, but he took a brief respite to immortalize himself with his self-portrait.
You’d think in gazing upon this portrait that you are looking at the likeness of Michael Jackson. The similar facial features the artist possessed make him look very similar to the King of Pop.
Reflection (1985) and Jean Reno
Very few contemporaries of his day earned the attention and support of the Venetian state, yet Antonello da Messina had produced so many works of art during his time in Northern Italy that the endorsement allowed for several more works, such as The Condottiero.
The similarity that this piece has to a Hollywood actor is in the eyes, more prominent that some. The eyes resemble the trusting eyes of the man behind Frodo Baggins in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Elijah Wood.
King Phillip III (1598) and Mark Zuckerberg
Lucian Freud presents some harsh truths with the creation of his self-portrait titled “Reflections”. Bright contrasts of light and dark portray inner conflict, while visible weathering on his face is reflective of deep thought and tragedy.
French actor Jean Reno of The Professional may be significantly younger than Freud as he presents himself in this painting, but there is an undeniable likeness in the eyes and facial expression, even across artistic mediums.
Portrait Of A Man (1476) and Kevin Spacey
It seems particularly fitting that the king of social media should so closely resemble royalty. King Phillip III of Spain may have been of royal lineage, but his behavior was reportedly substandard as he led his country into political and religious unrest.
Mark Zuckerberg, for all his acquired wealth and social influence, has been under the microscope the last several years regarding Facebook’s policies. Mild mannerisms disguise a warrior-like work ethic, which is in stark contrast to his doppelgänger painted hundreds of years before.
Paul Revere (1768) and Jack Black
This portrait of an unknown by Antonello da Messina gives us clues as to who he was. His garments are in keeping with someone who may be middle class, and a pensive stare indicates that he may have an interesting story to tell.
The pensive stare is what inspires a comparison between this famous “unknown” and Kevin Spacey. Slight smiles, engaging eyes and similar facial features indicate that the two might share a similar genetic composition.
Man Reading (1823) and Freddie Mercury
John Singleton Copley created the portrait of Paul Revere in 1768, and this art has historical significance for several reasons. Revere is portrayed in common clothing, which is in stark contrast to his opulent surroundings.
Copley also signed and dated this painting, indicating his belief that the man who was sitting for him would be of some importance. In this likeness, he is almost identical to Jack Black, singer, actor, and songwriter extraordinaire.
Young Man (1505) and Gerard Depardieu
The subject of John Singer Sargent’s Man Reading is most likely his manservant Nicola d’Inverno, who he employed from 1890-1917. Sargent and friends spent several summers in the Italian Alps, where this may have been painted.
At first glance, you might think that d’Inverno is a close relative of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen. Similar hairlines, a trademark mustache, and a focused expression of study in both pictures make these two share a striking resemblance.
Medusa (1596) and Johnny Depp
Jacopo de’ Barbari was an Italian printmaker and painter with individualistic style. With just twelve surviving paintings, his portrayal of an unidentified young man seems even more significant when compared to a contemporary counterpart.
The portrait, created in 1505, now hangs in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. If this young man’s doppelgänger, actor Gerard Depardieu, gets wind of the resemblance, he may just have to pay his twin a visit.
Portrait Of A Man (1530) and Keanu Reeves
Johnny Depp makes this list more than once, and understandably so. His varied roles and dramatic characters involve much time in the hair and makeup trailer, with some of his transformations making it hard to believe it’s still him.
Caravaggio’s Medusa, painted in 1596, has a similar dramatic quality about it. This portrayal of her demise is eerily similar to Depp’s character of Ichabod Crane in the 1999 rendition of Sleepy Hollow.
Not Just Celebrities
We told you that Keanu Reeves had experienced quite a few lives on this planet, and yet another portrayal of him can be found in Parmigianino’s Portrait Of A Man, created in 1530. It now hangs in the Uffizi in Florence.
Some say that this painting is a self-portrait of the artist himself, while others say it does not match facial features of other identified self-portraits of the artist. Regardless of the debate, there’s no doubt it is a very close match to Reeves.
Uncanny Resemblances
Imagine taking a trip to your favorite museum and finding a carbon copy of you, encased in a gold frame and subject to onlookers’ admiration and scrutiny day after day. Finding a lookalike is an exciting experience for most people.
This bearded gentleman caught up with his framed doppelgänger in a local art museum, and he even went so far as to copy the man’s expression of intensity as he prepared for his once in a lifetime photo opportunity.
You’ve Found Your Doppelgänger….Now What?
You never know where discovering your doppelgänger might lead. In a recent search for a Van Gogh lookalike, an unassuming Brooklyn resident was discovered in the New York City subway on his way to work.
Thanks to his uncanny resemblance to the famous artist, 36-year-old Robert Reynolds’s inbox is now flooding with scripts for television and film. No more will he have to struggle to start his career, as his physical appearance is opening doors for him.
Finding Your Match
Art enthusiasts can merely stumble upon artistic versions of themselves at their local museums, while others search for years before finding someone who looks just like them. The moment of revelation for most is magical.
Some choose a chance photo on the fly, while others assess artwork and find an identical outfit to play up the similarities. Regardless of how you celebrate the occasion, note that it is a unique moment that not everyone will have a chance to experience.
Many search for their whole lives to find someone that resembles them closely enough to be called a doppelgänger. Those who haven’t found that special someone yet are in luck, thanks to an upcoming exhibition at the Musee de la Civilisation in Quebec.
The exhibit, called “My 2000-Year-Old Double,” uses facial recognition software to identify people who look just like works from the Greco-Roman and Egyptian collections. The best matches give us hope that we too can find our perfect match.