World History
While surfing the Web, I found an interesting site. It is titled Reportret. It is a gallery of reconstructed portraits of key figures from world history. It attempts to do so without anachronisms, respecting contemporary style, and based on historical sources.
There are currently twelve portraits available ranging from Laozi to Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin. Other notables include Jesus of Nazareth, Muhammad, and Charlemagne. In addition to the portrait, there is a brief bio with reasons why the portrait was constructed the way it was. There are also a list of sources to support the rationale.
Not surprisingly, the creator of this portrait has a disclaimer about Muhammad. It is noted, "The portrait of Muhammad wasn't made to offend or harm anyone. Its purpose is neither worship, nor insult. Those who believe that it's forbidden or inappropriate to depict Muhammad can remain loyal to their faith by disregarding the image altogether. Others may not share these beliefs though. The image isn't forced on anyone and there's no obligation to accept it as an authentic portrait. Likewise, one who chooses to do so shouldn't be denied the opportunity to examine and appreciate the image. Finally, it must be stressed that, though based on historical sources, the image was produced from human imagination."
A whois search on the domain reports that this domain was created in 2003. As such, I am a bit disappointed that there are so few portraits. At the same time, I am intrigued by the idea and liked what I saw. I hope this site expands and continues to add good attempts at historical portraits. I respect the fact that this is hard work and I am hopeful more historical figures will appear.
- Islam Chronology
Islam Chronology. A chronology of Islam, from 570 to 2001. Includes some source material, and articles on various historical periods. From the site: Muhammad was born into the trading society of Mecca in 570. He was a part of one of the dominant tribes,...
- Vikings
Vikings - BBC Online presents aspects of the history of the Vikings in the British Isles. Includes dig reports, 3D model of a Viking age farm at Ribblehead, Yorkshire, and fun approaches for kids. From the site: The Vikings have left many traces...
- Wikinfo - Primary Source
Primary source. This is an encyclopedia article from Wikinfo which explains what a primary source is. From the site: A primary historical source is any piece of information that was created by someone who witnessed first hand or was part of the...
- Teaching About Japan
Teaching about Japan This essay gives ideas for teaching about Japan in American classrooms. This includes ideas for history instruction. From the site: Present a historical perspective whenever possible. This notion is very closely tied to the...
- Teaching Historical Thinking.
Teaching Historical Thinking. Students don't come to class ready to think about history. This paper examines ways that a teacher can teach historical thinking. From the site: Over the past decade, cognitive studies researcher Samuel Wineburg...
World History
Reconstructed Historical Portraits
While surfing the Web, I found an interesting site. It is titled Reportret. It is a gallery of reconstructed portraits of key figures from world history. It attempts to do so without anachronisms, respecting contemporary style, and based on historical sources.
There are currently twelve portraits available ranging from Laozi to Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin. Other notables include Jesus of Nazareth, Muhammad, and Charlemagne. In addition to the portrait, there is a brief bio with reasons why the portrait was constructed the way it was. There are also a list of sources to support the rationale.
Not surprisingly, the creator of this portrait has a disclaimer about Muhammad. It is noted, "The portrait of Muhammad wasn't made to offend or harm anyone. Its purpose is neither worship, nor insult. Those who believe that it's forbidden or inappropriate to depict Muhammad can remain loyal to their faith by disregarding the image altogether. Others may not share these beliefs though. The image isn't forced on anyone and there's no obligation to accept it as an authentic portrait. Likewise, one who chooses to do so shouldn't be denied the opportunity to examine and appreciate the image. Finally, it must be stressed that, though based on historical sources, the image was produced from human imagination."
A whois search on the domain reports that this domain was created in 2003. As such, I am a bit disappointed that there are so few portraits. At the same time, I am intrigued by the idea and liked what I saw. I hope this site expands and continues to add good attempts at historical portraits. I respect the fact that this is hard work and I am hopeful more historical figures will appear.
- Islam Chronology
Islam Chronology. A chronology of Islam, from 570 to 2001. Includes some source material, and articles on various historical periods. From the site: Muhammad was born into the trading society of Mecca in 570. He was a part of one of the dominant tribes,...
- Vikings
Vikings - BBC Online presents aspects of the history of the Vikings in the British Isles. Includes dig reports, 3D model of a Viking age farm at Ribblehead, Yorkshire, and fun approaches for kids. From the site: The Vikings have left many traces...
- Wikinfo - Primary Source
Primary source. This is an encyclopedia article from Wikinfo which explains what a primary source is. From the site: A primary historical source is any piece of information that was created by someone who witnessed first hand or was part of the...
- Teaching About Japan
Teaching about Japan This essay gives ideas for teaching about Japan in American classrooms. This includes ideas for history instruction. From the site: Present a historical perspective whenever possible. This notion is very closely tied to the...
- Teaching Historical Thinking.
Teaching Historical Thinking. Students don't come to class ready to think about history. This paper examines ways that a teacher can teach historical thinking. From the site: Over the past decade, cognitive studies researcher Samuel Wineburg...