French Artist Gave Celebrities a Classical Painting Makeover And They Ended Up Looking Incredible
They somehow fit into those eras perfectly.
Portraits once belonged to the powerful, the wealthy, and anyone who could afford to be remembered in paint. That old sense of status is part of what makes French artist Kyès so fun to look at, because he takes modern celebrities and drops them into classical scenes as if they were always meant to be there.
The result is a playful mix of pop culture and old-world elegance, with familiar faces reimagined as royalty, nobles, and historical figures. It is a simple idea, but Kyès makes it feel surprisingly fresh with each digital makeover.
Scroll through the collection and see which celebrity transformation stands out most.
1. Snoop Dogg
Of course, they had to include the Dogg.
kyesone2. Johnny Depp
I don't know about the earrings, though; I don't think that was acceptable at the time.
kyesone3. Madonna
The perfect combination of colors and accessories.
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4. Hayao Miyazaki
He might already have something like this.
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5. Rihanna
Rihanna would look good in any situation.
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6. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was left-handed, though; time to repaint.
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7. Queen Latifah
This could be the new Mona Lisa.
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Kyès makes the whole idea feel surprisingly natural.
8. Mark Hamill
Gets burned for being a wizard and wielding a glowing sword.
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9. Carrie Fisher
Pearl earrings would have looked stunning with this.
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10. Mick Jagger
This should be framed and hung somewhere.
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11. Björk
This one has a totally different vibe; I love it!
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12. Forest Whitaker
He should dress up more; this is a good look on him.
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13. Katy Perry
I thought this was Zooey Deschanel at first.
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14. Eminem
The holy hand grenade of Antioch.
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The lineup keeps getting better.
It also makes you think of the César Awards claim, where a makeup artist said he impersonated Jim Carrey.
15. Debbie Harry
What is she looking at?
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16. Ice Cube
That stare and those facial expressions are just perfect, lmao.
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17. Sean Connery
I think Sean would enjoy seeing this.
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18. Adele
Adele doesn't even look like this anymore.
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19. Sade
The face is a little too bright.
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20. Billie Eilish
Billie can pull off anything!
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21. Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino
I still can't take him seriously; he's hilarious. 😂
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Some of these pairings are almost too perfect.
22. Amy Winehouse
This belongs in a museum.
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23. Michael Jackson
He was such a cutie.
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24. Kurt Cobain
Rest in peace, you legend.
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25. Daft Punk
Knights in incredibly shiny armor, almost blinding, lol.
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26. Erykah Badu
The attention to detail is just amazing.
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27. André 3000
The head and hand pose are perfect.
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28. Al Pacino aka Tony Montana
A French Duke with his cigar and hand pose.
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29. Anya Taylor-Joy
She fits in so well! She looks like she could be from another century.
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30. Jay-Z & Beyonce
Is that a bong on the table or what?
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31. Lil Wayne
This is high art at its finest.
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Portraits still know how to make a statement.
Want more celebrity-ready art energy, check out these Old Masters portraits that prove they were the original influencers.
