Is it true that Beethoven’s complexion was likely much darker than in his portraits due to African descent?

by reverse_mango

I’ve seen people arguing for both sides: that either he was of African descent and used body doubles and makeup when going outside, or he was definitely white with no African ancestry (besides the average ancestry we all have as humans from modern Africa).

Which is right? Or is it difficult to tell for certain?

Gankom

There's always more that can be said, but you might enjoy this older thread on the subject. Was Beethoven black? by /u/DGBD.