Paintings and Sculptures of Rabbis Throughout the Ages

Question

There are many paintings or sculptures of Rabbis from throughout history, like the Vilna Gaon (paintings), Maharal (statue), and Rambam (statue).

Are they accurate (or at least somewhat accurate) depictions of this people?

(The same may be asked about non-Jewish philosophers and other figures who have been made into statues).

Chofetz Chaim: http://judaism.stackexchange.com/q/30731/5323 — MTL, Feb 12 '15 at 20:59
The classic picture of the Rambam doesn't have peyot. We're pretty sure it's not him. — Scimonster, Feb 12 '15 at 21:32
This is probably too broad; do you have a particular rabbi you'd like to ask about? — MTL, Feb 12 '15 at 23:07

mevaqesh · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-13T01:14:38.887

Painting of the Rambam; not earlier than 15th century (i.e. unreliable) see here.

Statue of Mahral; by sculptor Ladislav Šaloun according to here (i.e. unreliable).

Painting of the Gra possibly authentic as it is relatively contemporary see here. See however here that the popular picture is inauthentic, but that there is an authentic picture of him: authentic Gra

For a general discussion of the historical accuracy of art see here.

Paintings and Sculptures of Rabbis Throughout the Ages

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