Iconic Beards in History
If you haven’t already checked out our Beard History: 101 course, you should start there and then come back here.
As I began to grow out my beard I took some time to research some of the more popular styles to figure out what might be the best fit for me. But, with a quick search for “beard” images I was faced with thousands of photos and the ones that caught my eye the most were not from our time but actually were recognizable faces throughout history.
Arguably one of the most iconic depictions of a beard in history appears in the Sistine Chapel. Painted by Michelangelo (c 1511) in “The Creation of Adam” is probably the best known image of God the Father, as he was creating Adam. Although this was only Michelangelo’s interpretation of the beginning of mankind, its safe to say that the art of Beards is as old as history itself.
If the Creator himself made mankind “in his own image,” then that means your beard was intentional. Who are you to deny your genetic code. One could even go so far as to argue that shaving is sinful! But… that’s a debate for another time. For now, let’s take a look at a few more epic beards of history and the men behind them that are instantly recognizable still today.
Abraham Lincoln:
Show this picture to anyone in the western world and they will instantly recognize these whiskers. President Abraham Lincoln appears in a number of famous paintings, on currency and has a permanent seat at the Lincoln memorial in Washington, D.C. with the inscription “In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” Believe it or not, Lincoln actually grew his beard for political gain just before he was elected as President. He was asked via letter by an 11 year old girl to grow his beard to help him get elected and in his response, he made no promises but a month later allowed his beard to grow.
Charles Darwin
Our next iconic beard coincidentally was born on the exact same day as President Abraham Lincoln but rather than being famous for his actions in politics, this man became famous for his outlandish (at the time) theory of Evolution.
Mr. Charles Darwin is best known for the publication of his book “On the Origin of Species” where he first proposed the theory of evolution which significantly changed the way we look at the development of life on earth.
A lesser known fact about Darwin is that he actually composed a list of pros and cons on the subject of whether to get married. Amid the cons on this list he wrote “freedom to go where one liked” and “conversation of clever men at clubs”. Pure speculation here but… i bet he at least considered the thought of “my wife will make me shave” but I’m guessing that didn’t make the final cut.
Darwin's beard is so recognizable because it was a symbol of his wisdom, knowledge and his work on natural selection.
ZZ Top
The beards of the American rock band ZZ Top's members Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard are among the most recognizable in popular culture. They have been sporting the same style of long, thick beards since the 1970s, and they have become synonymous with the band's image and style.
Frank Beard (not pictured), despite having “Beard” as his last name, is actually the least recognizable of the rock group due to having the shortest beard which was more of a goatee style.
Fun Fact: La Grange, the #41 Billboard Hot 100 song in 1974 is actually written about a brothel just outside of La Grange, Texas. I wonder if the nice girls there appreciate a well cultivated beard? A-haw, haw, haw, haw….
Frederick Douglass
Mr. Frederick Douglass is another bearded man of history that did great things to pave the way to the future we know today. After being born into slavery in or around 1818 and then escaping the slave trade some 20 years later, Mr. Douglas went on to become a leading name during the abolitionist movement.
He wrote a number of published works including two autobiographies and his even more famous newspaper the North Star which was later renamed to Frederick Douglas Paper. Douglas’ life story and publications are seen as a beginning to the Civil Rights movement, his relationship with President Lincoln undoubtedly had influence for the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and his story and contributions to history will be remembered for generations to come. Talk about a beard that commands respect!
Good Ole Saint Nick
The last person on our list, not because he’s the last bearded man of history, but because its time for my daily beard conditioning, is none other than Ole Saint Nicholas.
Now, some may argue that this isn’t really a “Man” of history but rather a myth or a legend and you may be right. But the truth is those myths and legends started somewhere. There was a monk around A.D. 280 with an immaculate beard that became well known for his generosity and kindness. He earned the reputation to be the protector of children and sailors and once saved three sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution. Do your own research, but that sounds like someone who definitely deserves the title of “Saint.” And, with a beard as epic as the man himself, Ole Saint Nick definitely deserves to be on this list.
He’s seen today in malls and shopping centers around the world, on billboards, in countless advertisements and is arguably the most recognizable bearded man world-wide. I’d love to see a pocket dump from the north pole to see what Mr. Clause has in his EDC rotation but I speculate there would be more candy canes and cookies than awesome gear.
These are just a few examples of famous beards in history. From historical figures to pop-culture, these beards have become synonymous with the individuals who wore them whether it be for their leadership, wisdom, or their respective field. As you can see, the beards of history and the men behind them have been symbols of power, masculinity, wisdom, hope, courage, and many other things. A man’s beard is an extension of himself, both literally and figuratively. It reflects your style, your personality and can even be used to make a personal statement in some cases. So grow with confidence and let the beards of today be the promise of tomorrow and all the glory it brings.
