A team of scientists used advanced 3D digital reconstruction techniques to give life back to face of Saint Nicholas of Myrathe third-century bishop known as the inspiration for the figure of Santa Claus. The analysis, conducted starting from the skull attributed to the saint, revealed fascinating details and a surprising resemblance with the traditional image of Santa Claus described in the 1823 poem The night before Christmas.
Saint Nicholas, born in Patara (in present-day Türkiye) between 250 and 270 AD, was a charismatic and generous figure, venerated for her goodness and the gifts offered to the needy. Its image has evolved over the centuries, influencing the folklore of different cultures. The figure of the saint was in fact adopted by the Dutch as Sinterklaas and later merged with English Father Christmasgiving rise to the modern Santa Claus.
The reconstruction work was carried out using advanced forensic techniques. Scientists analyzed the skull to determine proportions and anatomical characteristics, integrating the data with historical sources and tomographic analyses.
He has a broad face, rosy cheeks and a gentle expression
The result is a face that surprisingly recalls the classic descriptions of Santa Claus: broad face, rosy cheeks and a gentle expression. However there are some differences. For example, St. Nicholas’ nose featured a slight curvature to the righta detail that distinguishes it from the famous “cherry” nose mentioned in American poetry.
In addition to the aesthetic characteristics, the researchers noted intriguing details related to the saint’s physical structure. A bone attributed to St. Nicholas shows a higher-than-normal mineral density for a seventy-year-old man, suggesting a robust build.
The reconstruction combined mathematical models, anatomical principles and artificial intelligence to add realistic details, such as skin texture and hair color. The final image is reminiscent of the Santa Claus illustrations published in the magazine Harper’s Weekly from 1863, one of the first graphic representations of the character. This fascinating discovery connects past and present, showing how a man who lived over 1,700 years ago inspired one of Christmas’s most beloved figures.
