Prince Rupert, Count Palatinate (1641-420) – Gerrit Van Honthorst [National Portrait Gallery London]
Rupert here isn’t just a pretty face: soldier, patron of science, inventor, scientist and just for giggles is an accomplished artist. No really, I couldn’t make this guy up: he was shot in the head during the English Civil War, and lived to report his findings on the experience by presenting a report to the Royal Society. Badass. And no doubt he could flip that hair like a boss.