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Once in a while, time, light, and space conspire to bridge the gap between the present and the past. In those moments, modern photos snapped with handheld computers come to look like accidental renaissance paintings created by the old masters. Fortunately, there is a subreddit called /r/AccidentalRenaissance where anyone in the world can share their magnificent digital paintings.

Strictly speaking, not every photo on this list echoes the renaissance, but every single one is clearly more than just a quick digital snap of everyday life. Some look like impressionist paintings, while others might echo baroque or neoclassical motifs. The fact that these photos speak to us so distinctly tells us just how indelible the visual identity of these historical art styles actually is.

#1

Just Found This Sub! Hope My Photo Here Suits It!

Just Found This Sub! Hope My Photo Here Suits It!

Oozy46 Report

We highly recommend following the subreddit yourself so you can see others’ submissions and even submit your own. Who knows? Maybe becoming a member will inspire you to look for perfect lighting and take a new perspective on your off-hand digital snaps of daily life.

If you start looking for “renaissance shots” to take, however, that does raise the question of what an accidental renaissance scene might actually look like in everyday life - and what a scene might look like in any other art style, for that matter. Understanding some of their key visual elements may help you keep an eye out for them! Each style is inextricably linked to the social, political, and cultural context of its times, but we’ll try to stick to the visuals. Let’s begin!

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    #2

    The Pallas Cats

    The Pallas Cats

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    Renaissance paintings

    The Renaissance was nothing short of a revolution in European painting, so the changes between it and olde medieval styles are many. Perhaps the single concept best capturing the Renaissance style is chairoscuro - the use of bold contrasts between light and dark to build a sense of depth. The mysterious background shadows and the pronounced folds of robes or tapestries that we might associate with Renaissance paintings are all a part of the Renaissance trend of using strong differences in light to reinforce a sense of space and depth in flat paintings.

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    Other changes included the use of linear perspective, a greater sense of realism borrowed from ancient Mediterranean works, and the study of anatomy, light, and realism.

    #3

    Ice Skating At Kinderdijk, Netherlands

    Ice Skating At Kinderdijk, Netherlands

    I_Eat_Pork Report

    #4

    Orthodox Jews Having Celebrated Purim

    Orthodox Jews Having Celebrated Purim

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    Crzwaco
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is such a cool picture. Had to look up what is Purim. "Purim is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of an official of the Achaemenid Empire named Haman, as it is recounted in the Book of Esther"

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    Baroque paintings

    The Renaissance art style gave way to mannerism and then to the Baroque period. Given their relationship, some of the things we associate with “accidental renaissance” paintings may actually be elements of Baroque paintings instead.

    The Baroque period built on and borrowed from the Renaissance period but had a few key visual elements that set it apart. One was an increased focus on “liveliness” as opposed to the relatively static scenes favored during the Renaissance period. In the Baroque period, we see many scenes of people seeming to have been captured while moving or speaking - a common theme in “accidental renaissance” photos. Another element is tenebrism, which built on the Renaissance concept of chiaroscuro. Tenebrism was a focus on using composition in the dark spaces of a painting to give it a shadowy and mysterious look.

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    #5

    Capybara Basks In Sun’s Rays

    Capybara Basks In Sun’s Rays

    isthatabingo Report

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    David Wambold
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    World's largest Rodent. They largest one every recorded was over 200 lbs. (90 kg).

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    #6

    Just Like That

    Just Like That

    LiziDarbaidze Report

    Rococo paintings

    The Baroque period and the Rococo period that followed it were, in quite a literal sense, like night and day! Gone is the gloom and the seriousness. Rococo paintings introduced livelier pastel colors, brighter light, and naturalistic themes.

    Other key focuses in the Rococo period included a focus on detail and playful subject matter. Throughout Europe, these two themes were often used to portray the aristocracy at play - enjoying themselves while beautifully dressed and surrounded by flowers.

    #7

    My Wife On Our Wedding Day

    My Wife On Our Wedding Day

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    #9

    Hungary

    Hungary

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    Christof Irran
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is a similar image of Angela Merkel (former German Chancellor) during a campaign visit in 1990 that looks like it was painted by Jan Vermeer. 1990-Angel...7f1196.png 1990-Angela-Merkel-during-a-campaign-visit-with-fishermen-64776d87f1196.png

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    Neoclassical paintings

    The Neoclassical period did exactly what it said on the tin - it was a new rebirth of classical themes and motifs from an earlier time. As a reaction to the decadence of the Rococo period, it brought back darker backgrounds and shadows. Artists also showed a renewed interest in studying anatomy and applying that knowledge in their work.

    Another key element was a focus on didactic art, which means that it was meant to convey a message, moral or story. Artists started to focus again on religious stories and ancient myths, recreating key scenes and including symbolic elements.

    #10

    People Run To Shelter From A Hail-Storm!

    People Run To Shelter From A Hail-Storm!

    -Effective_Mountain- Report

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    Ericthedead
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I put on a helmet and ran out in golf ball size hail as a teen. Hail to the shoulders hurts but when it hits the top of your hand or finger it feels like it knocked it off. Dumb idea.

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    #11

    Polar Bears Moving Into An Arctic Weather Station

    Polar Bears Moving Into An Arctic Weather Station

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    Romantic paintings

    Paintings from the Romantic period don’t necessarily focus on love, but they do incorporate emotion in a big way. The Romantic period was a departure from the rationalism of previous movements, embracing epic natural vistas, passionate subjects, and moody lighting.

    The Romantic period introduces a focus on portraying action. Artists in this period started to paint outdoors more often to capture epic seaside sunsets, thunderstorms, or windy, sunlit days. Their paintings sought to inspire emotional responses and sometimes departured from strictly accurate depictions of the subject matter to do so.

    #14

    A Lion & Warthog In South Africa. By Alex Choi

    A Lion & Warthog In South Africa. By Alex Choi

    discomuffin Report

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    Scott E
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing photo, though it’s sad to see that Simba and Pumbaa’s friendship seems to have gone downhill after filming “The Lion King”.

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    #16

    The Lifesaver

    The Lifesaver

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    Lama
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is originally in black and white (by Rocco Morabito) and I do prefer it that way. Beautiful and haunting and warm.

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    #17

    Hawaiian Surfer Ha'a Keaulana Training Underwater

    Hawaiian Surfer Ha'a Keaulana Training Underwater

    rip_ripley Report

    Realist paintings

    Realist paintings were both more and less realistic than paintings from the movements that preceded it. The period is characterized by a lesser focus on achieving photo-realistic reproductions of the subjects and more on faithfully documenting the real world the artists lived in. This meant avoiding excessively dramatic lighting and symbolic inclusions and a greater focus on depicting every layer of humanity - not just aristocrats or other important people. 

    In a way, this period’s change of subject matter also lends itself to the “accidental renaissance” trend. Any picture of everyday life you take that looks like a painting might be a realist work of art if it lacks any of the distinctive elements of light and posing that might put it in one of the other movements on this list.

    #18

    Joined This Sub Just To Post My Dad, Enjoy

    Joined This Sub Just To Post My Dad, Enjoy

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    #19

    Überlingen At Lake Constance, Shortly After Sunset

    Überlingen At Lake Constance, Shortly After Sunset

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    #20

    Violinist Playing During Her Own Brain Surgery

    Violinist Playing During Her Own Brain Surgery

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    #21

    Summertime Sunlight

    Summertime Sunlight

    veturoldurnar Report

    Impressionist paintings

    Impressionism was the first big step away from realism in art. Some key works in the impressionist movement are immediately recognizable due to their use of pointillism or other brushstroke methods that depart boldly from any attempt to convey photo-realism. Many paintings focused on conveying emotion, color, and mood.

    Interestingly, this offers a very specific niche for “accidental renaissance” photos as well. Photos with elements like bokeh blur or lighting warped by rain can easily resemble impressionist artwork. So can photos that capture distortive effects like fog or heat mirages.

    #23

    Mountain Landscape

    Mountain Landscape

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    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great depth of field! Reminds me of the Hudson Valley school artists.

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    #26

    Arnold In The 1970s

    Arnold In The 1970s

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    Uncanny
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the words of the wonderful Clive James, ‘He looks like a condom full of walnuts.’ 😂

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    #27

    Swiss Psychologist Jean Piaget

    Swiss Psychologist Jean Piaget

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    Cigdem Kanburoğlu
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I knew I would be successful despite my untideness. Now I am sure if Piaget could do it why would not I!!

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    #29

    Holy Week In Spain

    Holy Week In Spain

    crlogic Report

    #30

    A Short, Tall And Biggest Man Play Cards

    A Short, Tall And Biggest Man Play Cards

    swan001 Report

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    The blending of modern snapshots with classical motifs offers a fascinating insight into the enduring influence of historical art styles on contemporary photography.

    This is precisely what makes the 'Accidental Renaissance' phenomenon so intriguing, as it captures the essence of artistic styles like those explored on the picture-perfect accidental artworks subreddit. By examining these visual elements, enthusiasts can better appreciate the rich tapestry of cultural and historical influences that inspire today's digital renditions.

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    #32

    Firefighters Taking A Break Out West

    Firefighters Taking A Break Out West

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    #34

    I Was Told To Post This Mallard Here

    I Was Told To Post This Mallard Here

    Accipiter67 Report

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    Ericthedead
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    #36

    My Photo Of The Herndon Climb At The Naval Academy

    My Photo Of The Herndon Climb At The Naval Academy

    photoshopyourlife Report

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    #38

    A Bunker In Bakhmut

    A Bunker In Bakhmut

    judge_ned Report

    #40

    A Cigarette Break

    A Cigarette Break

    Hasler_art Report

    #41

    Adoration Of The Hen

    Adoration Of The Hen

    islndr Report

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    Betsy Ray
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Easily anthropomorphised into the portraits of every velvet-clad nobleman seated on a carved figure.

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    #42

    Metal Worker In Marrakech

    Metal Worker In Marrakech

    TheIncorporeal Report

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    #43

    This Picture I Took In 2019

    This Picture I Took In 2019

    ricioly Report

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    🌵 Drazil
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where is this??! (Why post a photo without identifying where it was taken?? Or what you were doing?!?

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    #44

    My Sister Texted Me A Pic Of The Room They Booked

    My Sister Texted Me A Pic Of The Room They Booked

    Lacagada Report

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    Corvus
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did they accidentally ask "Give us your most depressing room"? :P

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    #48

    First Rays Of The Morning

    First Rays Of The Morning

    vrisha_vahan Report

    #49

    U.S. Navy Recovers Chinese Balloon From Atlantic

    U.S. Navy Recovers Chinese Balloon From Atlantic

    Legalize_Ranch218 Report

    #50

    My Great Grandmother Circa 1986

    My Great Grandmother Circa 1986

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    #51

    Accidental Renaissance With A Moroccan Touch

    Accidental Renaissance With A Moroccan Touch

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    #54

    An Afghan Woman In 1992

    An Afghan Woman In 1992

    jennynguyen7143 Report

    #55

    A Flock Of Chickens Sunbathing

    A Flock Of Chickens Sunbathing

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    #56

    Me Restoring A Painting

    Me Restoring A Painting

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    Emma Goransdottir
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this picture and not that its important but you are really gorgeous 🙂

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    #57

    A Color Pencil Shop In Iran

    A Color Pencil Shop In Iran

    SamN712 Report

    #58

    Street Painter In Zanzibar

    Street Painter In Zanzibar

    TanzaniteDream Report

    #59

    Traditional Dance From India (Oc)

    Traditional Dance From India (Oc)

    Dcornelissen Report

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    #61

    Manila Prison

    Manila Prison

    eltacaventu Report

    #62

    Midnight Tranquility

    Midnight Tranquility

    NickkSpirit Report

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    Chewie Baron
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There’s something about this that I really like. I keep coming back to this picture.

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    #63

    Traders Examining Jade, Myanmar

    Traders Examining Jade, Myanmar

    Hell00-Sweetie Report

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    D Battle II
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like this one. Looks like they're looking at a treasure map!

    #64

    Raft Of The Silly Men

    Raft Of The Silly Men

    SpongeTofu Report

    #65

    Carros De Cesto, Madeira

    Carros De Cesto, Madeira

    pepisel Report

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    Olive Harper
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh I want to go there! You ride in the cart to get to the bottom of the (very) steep hill.

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    #68

    A Game Of Cards

    A Game Of Cards

    fortyfourtwentytwo Report

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    #70

    The Merchant Of Wisdom …

    The Merchant Of Wisdom …

    Malvernicus Report

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    #71

    The Reflection Of My Fireplace In The Mirror

    The Reflection Of My Fireplace In The Mirror

    TheSwaffle Report

    #72

    The Matriarch

    The Matriarch

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    #73

    Bouquiniste El Azizi. (Aziz's Book Store, Morocco)

    Bouquiniste El Azizi. (Aziz's Book Store, Morocco)

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    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Too bad if you want to buy one at the very bottom of one of the shelves inside

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    #74

    Mobile Vegetables Vendor

    Mobile Vegetables Vendor

    gurwinder_toor Report

    #75

    Alley Life In Marrakech

    Alley Life In Marrakech

    qnir2504 Report

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    #76

    The Feast

    The Feast

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    #77

    The Bacchanal

    The Bacchanal

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    aartdesigns
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    feels like a bunch of stoned people with the munchies, pigging out...

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    #78

    The Basketball Match

    The Basketball Match

    JLS88 Report

    #80

    The Smoker

    The Smoker

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    AtMostTheFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excellent photo, I love that smoke is all around him and while he does have a cigarette in hand you can't see any smoke from it. Just a great shot altogether.

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    #81

    Dawn Mist

    Dawn Mist

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    #82

    The Christening Of My Goddaughter

    The Christening Of My Goddaughter

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    #83

    Berber Pizza Making In Morocco

    Berber Pizza Making In Morocco

    achonacho Report

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    #84

    Convenience Store In Paris At Night

    Convenience Store In Paris At Night

    Aci122 Report

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    Kat Hoth
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the food choices. Here in the US, you won't find a single piece of fruit or a vegetable.

    #85

    Market

    Market

    minhngth Report

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    #86

    The Fisherman’s Lighthouse [oc]

    The Fisherman’s Lighthouse [oc]

    ArtisanGerard Report

    #87

    The Building Of The Tower (/R/Osha)

    The Building Of The Tower (/R/Osha)

    aheadtend757 Report

    #89

    Someone Told Me To Post My Slavic Renaissance Here