Scientists have confirmed that facial deformities among the House of Habsburg were caused by inbreeding, according to a newly-published study. The twist: they reached their findings by studying paintings. The influential Austrian royal line produced European rulers between the 14th and 20th centuries.
Paintings?
Yep. They analyzed 66 royal portraits of 15 members of the House of Habsburg, all of which (crucially, if not surprisingly) showed the faces of their subjects.
What were they looking for?
The researchers were interested in mandibular prognathism, perhaps better known as the famous "Habsburg jaw." This was a facial deformity that affected some of the Habsburgs, notably including King Charles II of Spain. They also looked for maxillary deficiency, characterized by an enlarged lower lip and overhanging nose, hence also Habsburg lip and Habsburg nose.
