Over 1,000 images of historical figures, Thanks to Generative AI

Over the past few months, I have been making custom art for the people I research. I have been doing “Quantum Genealogy” and spend quite a bit of time reading about innovators and inventors of the past. I concentrate my research on the people who deployed scientific innovations in the 19th century. I started using Midjourney AI in July 2022 and after 1 year (and over 70,000 generations), I finally came up with a style that I like and systematically requested images of historical figures based on reference images found on the internet. As it truns out, no matter the quality of the images, Midjourney was able to bring them back to life, often, in their context. This is only a small sample of the results I have achieved when generating historical figures.

Junipero Serra (1713-1784)

A Spanish Franciscan friar who played a pivotal role in establishing missions along the California coast in the 18th century, contributing to the cultural and religious heritage of the region. His efforts left a lasting impact on California’s history and identity.

Matthew C. Perry (1794-1858)

A U.S. Navy Commodore known for his role in opening Japan to the West in the mid-19th century. Perry’s diplomacy and use of “gunboat diplomacy” helped establish trade relations with Japan, significantly impacting the nation’s modernization and its place in the world.

Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922)

An intrepid British explorer renowned for his extraordinary leadership during the ill-fated 1914 Antarctic expedition. Despite adversity, he ensured the survival of his entire crew, showcasing remarkable determination and resilience in the face of extreme conditions.

Dionysius Godefridus van der Keessel (1738-1816)

A Dutch jurist and professor known for his influential work in international law. His expertise and writings continue to shape the field, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in resolving conflicts.

Louis XVIII “Le Désiré” (1755-1824)

The last French monarch of the Bourbon Restoration period. He acceded to the throne twice and played a key role in stabilizing post-revolutionary France, promoting a constitutional monarchy. His reign marked a pivotal period of transition in French history.

Henry Ford (1863-1947)

The American industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company. His innovations in automobile production, particularly the assembly line, revolutionized manufacturing, making cars more affordable and accessible. Ford’s impact on the automotive industry and modern transportation is immeasurable.

Edmund Hillary (1919-2008)

A New Zealand mountaineer who, along with Tenzing Norgay, was the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Their historic achievement symbolizes human determination, exploration, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of extreme challenges.