Chazal in the Gemara mention several individuals also renowned for their extraordinary beauty. The Bach (hago’as to Ta’anis 7a, note 9) points out that the Gemara in Bava Metzia (84a) describes Rav Kahana as possessing remarkable beauty, which was said to resemble that of Rabbi Abbahu. Rabbi Abbahu’s appearance, in turn, was compared to Yaakov Avinu, whose natural beauty reflected the original perfection of Adam HaRishon.
This chain of beauty demonstrates that exceptional physical grace was not uncommon among the greatest sages.
The Gemara also records that Rabbi Yochanan was famed for his extraordinary beauty. He testified that he was the last of the sons of Yerushalayim known for their majestic countenance, a beauty that disappeared with the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. (Yet, the Gemara notes that Rabbi Yochanan is not included among those whose beauty rivaled that of the Avos. While his radiance and splendor were indeed remarkable, he lacked a beard, and his face therefore did not convey the full dignity and majesty associated with the Avos.)
