The classic depiction of Jesus may actually be a portrait of
Cesare Borgia, the illegitimate son of Pope Alexander VI! Borgia
was the son of Pope Alexander VI. He is said to have influenced
all European art depicting Jesus. It's widely accepted that the
classic depiction of Jesus is not accurate, because Jesus would
have not have looked like a white European. Many scholars
believe that Cesare Borgia was the basis for some depictions of
Jesus that eventually became the standard look that is used
until today. At the time, the Pope was allowed to marry. Pope
Alexander VI, however, was known for having many mistresses. In
1476, Cesare Borgia was born as an illegitimate child of the
Pope. He was the Pope’s favorite son and by 15 years old was the
Bishop of Pamplona. He became Cardinal by his 18th birthday.
Cesare is said to have had his older brother Giovanni
assassinated out of envy.