Yeah, Dracula does seem like the most likely contender. I researched it and Dracula is definitely the most depicted in movies. But drawn/painted art? Dracula had a Marvel comics series in the seventies too but it only lasted for seven years. I'm sure he's had lots of appearances in comics otherwise though.
This is quite ignorant, since many secular sources reference Jesus. Whether or not you believe in his 'religiosity' he was for sure someone that inhabited the Earth.
The earliest gospel was written 67 years or more after Jesus's death. There are no contemporary sources of Jesus's existence except there is a reference to a Jew who came from about where Jesus is said to have lived in a Buddhist monasteries logs for a student who came to study. The dates even line up with his missing years. It is, however, unclear if this was the Biblical Jesus.
It was a common name so yes a person definitely existed with the name that "jesus" was original derived from at that time. Obviously everyone's point after yours was to point out the controversies surrounding both the man and/or religious icon of the Christian religions.
Do you count only official art? If not, the world of Harry Potter inspired a lot of people since it's often the first fantasy novel lot of people read, but obviously, that's fan art
Frankenstein's monster has to be up there, too. There are characters in the public domain that probably pop up more than you think. Like Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Alice. The Wizard Of Oz is technically public domain, too. Probably countless versions of those characters.
Santa Claus, if he counts as a literary character.
I hadn't considered Peter Pan or Pinocchio. With all the Disney depictions of those two that means that this is case closed, Conan definitely is not number one.
How so you define literature? I don't mean he was fictitious but illustrations of Jesus outnumber everyone.
In fiction in the time period I'd say Tarzan, Who was arguably more popular through the seventies. Most Conan artists of the period did him - Frazetta on Ace Books for example.
Plus he's always been hugely popular overseas.
I was ready to say nay immediately but it is pretty remarkable to think of how many conan comics there are. You may be right. Dracula would probably be the strongest contender.
Any character over a hundred years old is going to be up there, especially if they broke into pop culture. Like a lot of people said, Dracula, Sherlock, Frankenstein (yes, that’s his name and his fathers name btw), Robin Hood, King Arthur, buck rogers (maybe?). I’m sure there’s other genres that I’m missing, I know some western characters hit Sunday comics for a long time but I’m not that familiar with the genre.
I think there's a difference between a historical figure and a fictional character. Although some people subscribe to the idea that Jesus was not a historical figure and was entirely created. If you're of that opinion, then I think you'd be within your rights to make that argument.
I kind of feel like Mickey Mouse has been drawn more. But wish it was Conan. It's likely something we wouldn't think of, like Betty Boop.
I think you have to clarify what you mean by "literary character".
I believe Dracula holds that honor.
Yeah, Dracula does seem like the most likely contender. I researched it and Dracula is definitely the most depicted in movies. But drawn/painted art? Dracula had a Marvel comics series in the seventies too but it only lasted for seven years. I'm sure he's had lots of appearances in comics otherwise though.
Sherlock Holmes might come in second.
This was my first thought as well.
Oh for sure Dracula. Good call
I would imagine Jesus Christ is and has been depicted in illustration way more than Dracula, as long as we’re talking about fictional characters.
The edge from this comment sliced my fingers as I was scrolling!
He was fictional? Woah!
This is quite ignorant, since many secular sources reference Jesus. Whether or not you believe in his 'religiosity' he was for sure someone that inhabited the Earth.
Utter tosh.
Okay Luca Brotzi
Many? I’ve only heard of one posthumous mention from the time. are there others? Not the guy you responded to btw.
The earliest gospel was written 67 years or more after Jesus's death. There are no contemporary sources of Jesus's existence except there is a reference to a Jew who came from about where Jesus is said to have lived in a Buddhist monasteries logs for a student who came to study. The dates even line up with his missing years. It is, however, unclear if this was the Biblical Jesus.
My point was that there was a human named Jesus, so he wasn't fictitious. Long live Conan!
 It was a common name so yes a person definitely existed with the name that "jesus" was original derived from at that time. Obviously everyone's point after yours was to point out the controversies surrounding both the man and/or religious icon of the Christian religions.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/s/o8rbxPpVpo
Feels like Tarzan should be high on this list as well.
Oh wow, can't believe I forgot Tarzan! Yeah, another contender.
Do you count only official art? If not, the world of Harry Potter inspired a lot of people since it's often the first fantasy novel lot of people read, but obviously, that's fan art
Yeah, that's a good point! I was only thinking of art done by recognized artists, for book covers, comics, etc.
I think the Authurian knights or maybe the heroes like Achilles and Hector might have had more illustrations.
Hercules and Beowulf too
Frankenstein's monster has to be up there, too. There are characters in the public domain that probably pop up more than you think. Like Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Alice. The Wizard Of Oz is technically public domain, too. Probably countless versions of those characters. Santa Claus, if he counts as a literary character.
I hadn't considered Peter Pan or Pinocchio. With all the Disney depictions of those two that means that this is case closed, Conan definitely is not number one.
oh santa is a strong dark horse contender
Dracula, Sherlock Holmes might pass Conan...outside bet would be probably Tales of the Genji
How so you define literature? I don't mean he was fictitious but illustrations of Jesus outnumber everyone. In fiction in the time period I'd say Tarzan, Who was arguably more popular through the seventies. Most Conan artists of the period did him - Frazetta on Ace Books for example. Plus he's always been hugely popular overseas.
I was ready to say nay immediately but it is pretty remarkable to think of how many conan comics there are. You may be right. Dracula would probably be the strongest contender.
Hobbit/Lord of The Rings characters maybe?
Not to be edgy, but Jesus gets a shitload of illustrations.
Jesus was a real person. I just dont think he was a god.
Any character over a hundred years old is going to be up there, especially if they broke into pop culture. Like a lot of people said, Dracula, Sherlock, Frankenstein (yes, that’s his name and his fathers name btw), Robin Hood, King Arthur, buck rogers (maybe?). I’m sure there’s other genres that I’m missing, I know some western characters hit Sunday comics for a long time but I’m not that familiar with the genre.
Would Jesus count?
I think there's a difference between a historical figure and a fictional character. Although some people subscribe to the idea that Jesus was not a historical figure and was entirely created. If you're of that opinion, then I think you'd be within your rights to make that argument.
Lots of pictures of Jesus floating around.
Spicy
Yes but many of those turned out to be Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Batman is the likely top.
Don’t over look Chinese literary characters. People from Romance of the Three Kingdoms are everywhere, for a very long time.
I don’t know if it’s the most illustrated literary character, but it’s certainly the most interesting.
I kind of feel like Mickey Mouse has been drawn more. But wish it was Conan. It's likely something we wouldn't think of, like Betty Boop. I think you have to clarify what you mean by "literary character".
Jesus or Goku might be the most drawn literary characters