Driven by his deep passion for history, photographer Drew Gardner embarked on a remarkable project: the meticulous recreation of portraits featuring some of the world’s most iconic historical figures, with their direct descendants serving as modern-day models.

This ambitious endeavor went far beyond a few casual phone calls. Gardner immersed himself in extensive research, meticulously tracing the lineage of each individual and ensuring the accuracy of their heritage. To bring these historical moments to life, he spared no effort in crafting sets with an unwavering commitment to the smallest details. The result? Authentic backgrounds that transport viewers to a bygone era, reminiscent of pages lifted from a history book.

Gardner’s dedication extended to the procurement of period costumes and props, further enhancing the project’s authenticity. Every element, from attire to accessories, was sourced with precision, creating an atmosphere that feels like a genuine step back in time. Analyzing the original portraits, Gardner replicated not just the appearances but also the lighting, employing various tools and techniques to painstakingly recreate each nuance.

The culmination of Gardner’s labor is an extraordinary series that falls into the realm of “different but same” – a phrase that aptly captures the essence of this project in the most positive light. The outcome is a collection of images that seamlessly blend historical significance with a contemporary twist, offering viewers a unique perspective on the intersection of past and present.

You can find Drew Gardner on the Web:

#1 Thomas Jefferson (Left), 1800 And Shannon Lanier (Right) Sixth Great-Grandson Of Thomas Jefferson

#1 Thomas Jefferson (Left), 1800 And Shannon Lanier (Right) Sixth Great-Grandson Of Thomas Jefferson

#2 Charles Dickens (Left), 1858 And Gerald Charles Dickens (Right) Dickens’s, Great-Great-Grandson

#2 Charles Dickens (Left), 1858 And Gerald Charles Dickens (Right) Dickens's, Great-Great-Grandson

#3 Emeline Pankhurst (Left) And Helen Pankhurst (Right) The Great-Granddaughter Of Emeline Pankhurst

#3 Emeline Pankhurst (Left) And Helen Pankhurst (Right) The Great-Granddaughter Of Emeline Pankhurst

#4 Napoleon (Left), 1812 And Hugo De Salis (Right) The Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson Of Napoleon

#4 Napoleon (Left), 1812 And Hugo De Salis (Right) The Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson Of Napoleon

#5 Oliver Cromwell (Left), 1653-1654 And Charles Bush (Right) The Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson Of Oliver Cromwell

#5 Oliver Cromwell (Left), 1653-1654 And Charles Bush (Right) The Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson Of Oliver Cromwell

#6 Frederick Douglass (Left), 1863 And Reuben L. Andrews (Right)

#6 Frederick Douglass (Left), 1863 And Reuben L. Andrews (Right)

#7 Charles II (Left), 1653 And Lord Charles Fitzroy (Right) The 9 Times Great-Grandson Of Charles II

#7 Charles II (Left), 1653 And Lord Charles Fitzroy (Right) The 9 Times Great-Grandson Of Charles II

#8 Liza De Giocondo (The Mona Lisa) (Left) And Irina Guicciardini Strozzi (Right) The 15 Times Great Granddaughter Of Liza De Giocondo

#8 Liza De Giocondo (The Mona Lisa) (Left) And Irina Guicciardini Strozzi (Right) The 15 Times Great Granddaughter Of Liza De Giocondo

#9 Berthe Morisot (Left), 1872 And Lucie Rouart (Right) The Great-Granddaughter Of Berthe Morisot

#9 Berthe Morisot (Left), 1872 And Lucie Rouart (Right) The Great-Granddaughter Of Berthe Morisot

#10 Arthur Wellesley 1st Duke Of Wellingston (Left), 1824 And Jeremy Clyde (Right) The Great-Great-Great-Grandson Of The 1st Duke Of Wellington

#10 Arthur Wellesley 1st Duke Of Wellingston (Left), 1824 And Jeremy Clyde (Right) The Great-Great-Great-Grandson Of The 1st Duke Of Wellington

#11 Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Left), 1850 And Elizabeth Jenkins-Sahlin (Right)

#11 Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Left), 1850 And Elizabeth Jenkins-Sahlin (Right)

#12 William Wordsworth (Left), 1798 Andtom Wontner (Right) Wordsworth’s Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson

#12 William Wordsworth (Left), 1798 Andtom Wontner (Right) Wordsworth's Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson

#13 Horatio Nelson (Left), 1800 And William John Raglan Horatio Tribe (Right) Nelson’s Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson

#13 Horatio Nelson (Left), 1800 And William John Raglan Horatio Tribe (Right) Nelson's Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson

#14 Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1857 (Left) And Isambard Thomas (Right), Brunel’s Great-Great-Great-Grandson

#14 Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1857 (Left) And Isambard Thomas (Right), Brunel's Great-Great-Great-Grandson

#15 Clive Of India, Robert Clive, 1773 (Left) And Robert Holden (Right) The Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson Of Clive Of India

#15 Clive Of India, Robert Clive, 1773 (Left) And Robert Holden (Right) The Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson Of Clive Of India


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