Is this what two great Saints looked like?

I was researching something on the net the other day when I came upon a pleasant surprise - more forensic reconstruction of the faces of Saints! Those familiar with this blog are likely aware that this author is a big fan of such things (click here to see other forensic "faces of holiness" that I've shared about in the past).  This time around I add two famous Saints who are both Doctors of the Church:

St. Teresa of Avila

   

Compare this Spanish Saint's forensic reconstruction (Above-Left) with the most famous portrait done of her when she was 61 (I personally don't see a similarity and prefer the painting).  To read about St. Teresa's prodigious life, click here.

St. Thomas Aquinas

   

Above, the forensic reconstruction (Left) with a typical representation of the Saint painted shortly after he was canonized in July 1323 (there appears to be a slight resemblance).

So what do viewers think?  I personally find it highly fascinating to see these scientifically reconstructed faces ... then find it amusing when I compare them to statues and paintings to see how they measure up to each other.  The artistic depictions usually don't come close to reality - almost all look too perfect with their tall, slim bodies and their perfect complexion, especially devotional statues I see on sale.

I prefer to see true likenesses of our Saints and Blesseds with their not-so-perfect features.  I think it brings them down to earth, which makes them relatable; mostly ordinary people but who lived their Catholic Faith in an extraordinary manner!