The face of Ivan the Terrible – the Grand Prince of Russia famed for his tyrannical reign – has been brought back to life through a reconstruction by scientists.
Ivan IV, who ascended to the throne at the tender age of three and ruled over 440 years ago until his death in 1584, descended into paranoia in his thirties. He was infamous for ordering the execution of those he suspected of betrayal.
Labelled by scholars as one of history’s most barbaric figures, the responsible for the demise of thousands – including his own progeny. Ivan IV’s fearsome reputation is well-documented.
Now, Brazilian graphics maestro Cicero Moraes has employed state-of-the-art methods to craft a scientific portrayal of the Russian Tsar’s visage. Drawing on insights from the Soviet-era excavation of Ivan’s burial site by researcher Mikhail Gerasimov, Moraes has pieced together how the Tsar’s lifestyle may have sculpted his features.
Moraes revealed: “According to Dr Gerasimov’s study, it appears that Ivan indulged in a disorderly life of excessive eating and alcohol abuse. This must have worsened his condition in his last years.”
Furthermore, Moraes noted: ‘This is in contrast to the appearance he had when younger, when he was described as tall, with beautiful hair, broad shoulders, strong muscles and a pleasant face. “
The final depiction of Ivan the Terrible is the culmination of rigorous scientific techniques and a thorough examination of Gerasimov’s research.
Utilising data from living donors, Moraes deduced the prospective thickness of the Tsar’s skin at various points on his skull and employed a technique known as anatomical deformation to digitally modify the head shape to concur with that of Ivan the Terrible. Moraes characterised the end product as representing a “strong and determined” resemblance of the infamous Russian despot.
The reign of Ivan IV concluded when he passed away at 53 during a chess match, leaving the throne to his second son, Feodor Ivanovich.
