Art, obsession, and identity
The French philosopher and mathematician might have invented analytical geometry and founded modern philosophy, but he didn't leave his mark aesthetically speaking.
Co-founder of the Standard Oil Company, which dominated the US oil business, John D. Rockefeller has an uncanny resemblance to Count Orlok in 'Nosferatu' (1922).
In popular culture, Cleopatra is depicted as a great beauty, but historical records suggest the opposite. For example, coins demonstrates that she had a thick neck and manly features. Nevertheless, she was still a legendary seductress.
One of the leading artists of the 1960s pop art movement, Andy Warhold created tons of beautiful art. Unfortunately, he struggled greatly with his appearance, suffering from both acne and rosacea. His iconic bleached hair piece wasn't a look that everyone appreciated either.
The seventh Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832, John C. Calhoun was an adamant defender of slavery and protecting the white south. An intense guy to say the least, including his creepy stare.
The acclaimed German composer and pianist was only 5'2 (160 centimeters) and described as ugly by his own friends. Now that's rough!
While the Hungarian composer was a skilled pianist who influenced the Romantic era, he didn't age as well as his music.
George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, was an English writer and one of the leading novelists of the Victorian era. She was once famously described by author Henry James as "magnificently ugly, deliciously hideous."
Ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1658 to 1705, there's a lot going on with Leopold I, and the outfit certainly doesn't help.
Alfred Hitchcock may be one of the most famous directors of all time, but his strange appearance compounded the oddness of a mind that came up with such psychological terrors!
The Russian mystic was definitely creepy looking, but don't be fooled by his looks. The man seduced countless noble women.
The 16th president of the US was so aware of his looks that he even joked about it. After being called two-faced in a debate, he replied, "I leave it to my audience. If I had another face, do you think I’d wear this one?"
Due to a lineage of incestuous marriages in the Spanish branch of the Habsburgs, Charles II of Spain suffered from severe deformations. He was also infertile and had difficulties speaking and eating.
According to historical accounts, the Greek philosopher was ugly. This even made him a target for Aristophanes in his comedies.
The Italian priest, theologist, and philosopher might have been a holy man, but he wasn't blessed when it came to his looks.
The princess consort of Serbia between 1817 and 1839, Ljubica was quite active and influential in Serbian politics. Married to prince Miloš Obrenović I, it was a rocky marriage, and on one occasion she came close to killing one of his mistresses in a violent physical attack. Now that's no princess to mess with!
Remembered for his patronage of the arts and his rule over Spain during the Thirty Years' War, King Philip IV also sported the most unflattering hairstyle in the kingdom.
Also known as Bloody Mary, she attempted to reverse the English Reformation which had begun during the reign of her father, Henry VIII. And even if she was bedazzled in pearls and gold, this Queen did not have beauty on her side.
The 19th-century educator and writer was an early advocate of abolitionism and women's right. And while she dedicated her life to these important causes, she wasn't, however, remembered for her looks.
Just like her sister, Angelina Emily Grimké wasn't an eye-catching woman. However, there's more to life than looks, and the legacy of the Grimké sisters is a perfect example of this.
While the golden mask might make you think that Tutankhamun was a stunner, think again. The Egyptian pharaoh actually suffered from bodily deformities that were caused by intermarriage. His parents were siblings.
Often considered one of the most important rulers in Romania, he's also the country's national hero. And while he might remind you of a certain bloodthirsty creature, don't worry, it was just his name that inspired Bram Stoker's literary vampire, Count Dracula.
Widely known as El Greco, the Greek artist certainly wasn't remembered for his looks, but rather for his paintings. Some of his best-known works include 'View of Toledo' and 'Opening of the Fifth Seal.'
Charlotte was Queen of Great Britain and Ireland as the wife of King George III. And like many royals at the time, she was also unattractive.
Best known for his six marriages, and for a concerning number of them ending in death, this English king wasn't exactly a sight for sore eyes.
Sure, no one would look good with that hair and outfit, but let's be real, there was something off with this Scottish king.
One of the last monarchs of the house of Tudor, the lack of eyebrows and the strangely high hairline didn't really do much in the beauty department for this queen.
The famous French philosopher was aware of his looks, especially after he got a haircut. When he came home, his mother wept, as she had specifically designed his former haircut to hide some of his ugliness. Yikes!
It's difficult to forget this image of the founder of the village of Yorkville, Canada. Considering one had to sit still for five minutes to have a picture taken, it's no wonder that this was the result.
Curious to see some of the most unattractive historical figures? Then click through this gallery!
Famous individuals with unique appearances
They're a talented bunch but they weren't blessed with good looks!
LIFESTYLE Beauty
This might sound a bit harsh, but we all know that not everyone is born with good looks. Such was the case for many historical figures, which has been proven thanks to photos and paintings. Widely described as “unattractive” or downright “ugly,” don't be fooled by their appearances, as these influential people have left their mark on the world for other reasons.
Curious to see some of the most unattractive historical figures? Then click through this gallery!