Have you ever thought your selfies are so good they belong in a museum? Now’s the time to seriously consider it. A few days ago, the internet started freaking out about an app called Google Arts & Culture, which uses an algorithm to match your selfies with world-renowned works of art that supposedly look just like you.
If you’ve been on social media in the past week, you’ve probably seen a few of these comparisons. Some of them are super accurate, and some are…a stretch. The app is available worldwide for anyone with a smartphone, and some local folks have joined in on the fun — like Philly Pigeon organizer Kai Davis.
At Billy Penn, we set out on a mission: find the artworks that resemble the most prominent Philly politicians.
Here are the eight most accurate politician-artwork match-ups:
Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey
Toomey was inaugurated nearly a year ago. Since then, he’s had a controversial reputation in Philly. He’s been accused of ignoring phone calls and emails from Philadelphians, a habit that sparked weekly protests outside his Philly office called Tuesdays with Toomey. Despite his complicated reputation, most will agree: he looks almost exactly like this painting of William I, the first King of the Netherlands.
Mayor Jim Kenney
However controversial some of his local projects have been (cough, soda tax, cough), in many ways, Kenney is now the face of Philadelphia. He goes to bat nationally for initiatives he thinks might help the city — he instituted sanctuary city status in Philly last year and is working to bring the second Amazon headquarters here. With this match to Napoleon’s youngest brother, Google Arts & Culture created a masterpiece. It’s a crime against humanity these images only have a 58 percent similarity rate.
District Attorney Larry Krasner
Krasner was sworn in earlier this month, but he was making waves in Philly almost as soon as he started campaigning. He ran under an ambitious, progressive campaign, promising to end mass incarceration and resist policies from the Trump administration. In his first three days in office, Krasner fired 31 people from the DA’s office. Apparently if he had been sworn in during the 1920s, he would’ve moonlighted as some kind of hipster/rancher combo. New Mexican painter Walter Ufer was fashionable before his time.
City Council President Darrell Clark
Clark was first elected in 1999, and he represents the 5th Council District, which includes neighborhoods like Strawberry Mansion, Fairhill and Brewerytown. He had to make this list for one obvious reason: apparently he’s a damn near replica of a Philly mural. Titled “ASpire,” the painting, created in collaboration with Black Thought of The Roots, celebrates the life of community leader Dr. Shawl L. “Air Smooth” White. (No, it’s not in Clark’s district. But still.)
Councilwoman Helen Gym
Gym, one of Philly’s at-large city council members, considers herself a community organizer. Since taking office in 2016, Gym has attempted to unite with her constituents over divisive issues, without holding back. She was outspokenly critical of both Philly’s monument to Frank Rizzo and the School Reform Commission, which was recently dissolved in favor of a local school board. Fittingly, her match-up also painted himself looking pretty critical — like he’s giving side-eye to the entire city of Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez
Quiñones-Sánchez is in her fourth term representing Philly’s 7th District. She recently drafted a controversial inclusive housing bill, which will be voted on later this month. On an unrelated note, it seems that one of her male relatives might be trapped inside a painting from 1919. (Or maybe not, since former Gov. Wally Hickel spent most of his life in Alaska.)
Lieutenant Governor Michael Stack
Stack is widely known for his fashion. In fact, we think he’s probably the best-dressed man in Harrisburg. He reps with pinstripes, pops of color and specially tailored suits. Naturally, his lookalike also seems devoted to his appearance — Lutheran reformer Philipp Melanchthon’s perfectly curled locks and highlighted cheekbones can’t be an accident. These two are the perfect match. But please, Stack, don’t try the mustache.
Bonus round: Former Governor Ed Rendell
Former governor of Pennsylvania or Santa’s sharp-dressed younger brother? No, Rendell isn’t a current Philly politician, but his lookalike was too good to pass up. During his two terms, Rendell brought job-training programs, tax cuts and a higher minimum wage to Pennsylvania. As Philly mayor, Rendell oversaw the launch of the Kimmel Center, a place his doppelganger, German conductor August Manns, probably would have loved.
