Posted on 12/12/2016 3:22:08 AM PST by BlessedBeGod
.- Scientists at a university in Liverpool recently unveiled what they say is the most realistic portrait ever created of St. Nicholas of Myra, the popular 4th Century bishop best known as the inspiration for the modern-day figure of Santa Claus.
Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University's Face Lab used a facial reconstruction system and 3D interactive technology to create the portrait, which was unveiled on Dec. 6, the feast day of St. Nicholas.
It's #StNicholas day. Check out the facial depiction of St Nicholas we produced @LJMU @LSAD_2016 https://t.co/EQfjjHmRis #stnicholasday pic.twitter.com/MW1GpWhBWW Face Lab Liverpool (@FaceLabLJMU) December 6, 2016
University Professor Caroline Wilkinson said the reconstruction relied on all the skeletal and historical material available, the BBC reports. A university spokeswoman said the new image uses the most up-to-date anatomical standards, Turkish tissue depth data and CGI techniques.
Among the features depicted in the saints image is a broken nose, which Wilkinson said had healed asymmetrically, giving him a characteristic nose and rugged facial appearance.
St. Nicholas lived 270-343 A.D. He was the bishop of Myra, in southern Turkey.
During his years as bishop, he was imprisoned during the Diocletian persecution, then later released when Constantine came to power.
He was known for his staunch defense of the faith, as well as his often anonymous generosity toward those in need.
Stories surrounding the saint abound. He is believed to have once rescued three sisters from being sold into slavery by throwing bags of gold through an open window into their house to pay their familys debts.
Another popular story holds that he became so enraged by the heretic Arius who claimed that Christ was not truly God that he punched him during a heated debate at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.
Based on the broken nose in the saint's facial reconstruction, maybe Arius punched him back.
Those aren’t tats, those are his priestly vestments.
I thought his remains were in Bari, Italy.
Don’t let liberal snowflake parents see that picture what with that sword and some military stuff he’s holding on to.
Greek, living in Asia Minor.
“When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.”
It’s not likely that a full-sized man would be driving a miniature sleigh and miniscule reindeer.
Oh come on this is just silly
Now see ... LOL ... I really thought he was packed in overflowing a bit with him and his bag.... I guess it just depends on your imagination :) Seriously this was how I’ve always envisioned it....
And I’ve always struggled with “miniature” part versus the image of Santa as a rather hefty fellow.
By the way, there’s also a reference to “the prancing and pawing of each little hoof” after the “coursers” surmount the rooftop.
Interesting.
I can hear in my mind, “Arius...you are without honor!”
Greek guy. Guy who punched the lights out of the heretic Arius. Definitely not the ho ho ho type. Serious dogmatist and staunch believer in the divinity and humanity of the Christ
yeah... but I don’t know any deer or reindeer with big feet so that didn’t even make me think twice...
So THAT's why he developed this quirky habit...
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose...
Based on the photo at the link, St. Nicholas looks to be a foil wrapped piece of candy.
Some people, self-important doofuses (artists?) have no clue about the difference between "realistic" and "accurate!"
And, of course, assume that the rest of us are similarly impaired.
Oh I don't know, I think you can be a Mediterranean hot head and still be pretty sweet. I'm thinking of our own dp0622, who sprinkles ####'s and :)'s pretty evenly in his posts!
I’m a sweetheart :)
With a horrific Sicilian temper.
Looks like he got punched in the nose more than once
George Carlin?!!!
Kicked in the face while starting up the sled one morning.
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