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Classical art pieces are known for their timelessness and enduring value. Such artworks like The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo or The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli might always be remembered, appreciated and spoken about for centuries or even millennia to come. However, some artists from the past are not always recognizable by people of today. That’s where memes come to help! Through these elements of modern culture, classical artworks can be given a contemporary and fun twist that attracts new audiences.
If you’re a long-time reader of Bored Panda, you might’ve noticed that we love classical art memes. Well, just memes in general. Their relatability, perfectly captured moods and a sense of absurdity are what keep us coming back for more!
For today, we’ve gathered the best classical art memes, as shared in this Facebook group called “Classic Art Memes Moderated”. From sad faces to weird human-supernatural creature interactions, scroll down to rediscover the joy of art! If you’re a meme lover just like we are, don’t hesitate to check out similar posts with even more of these goodies here and here.
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#1
Alias-the-shade 2 years ago
Well maybe if your testicles were on your chest near your face we would have a lot more emphasis on them( note that this is comedic satire please do not send me to downvote hell I’ve been there once before it was not fun)
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To learn more about memes and their influence on our communication, we reached out to Dr. Idil Galip, a Lecturer in New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on the production of internet memes and the people who make them. She also runs the Meme Studies Research Network and enjoys writing and making memes herself! “Most of my memes are gripes about what I think is wrong with the world and myself, it's free therapy.” Scroll down for the whole interview!
#4
Memes have become a common sight in today's online culture. From humorous one-liners to relatable situations, it's hard to scroll through social media without coming across at least one of these cultural phenomenons. But what is it about memes that makes them so well-liked? According to Idil, internet memes are very popular mostly because they are cheap and easy to make and distribute. “You can also put together a meme in a relatively short amount of time. Moreover, the ugliness, or even incompletion, of a quickly made meme is often celebrated for its humor and irreverence.”
The internet has undeniably changed the way we communicate and share information and memes have been playing a big role in this digital landscape. However, the concept of a "meme" is not unique to the internet era. Idil shared that while internet memes are obviously linked to the internet and digital culture, they have existed for as long as culture has existed. “If we are to take on Richard Dawkins's definition of the 'meme', then they are simply units of culture that are shared between people. This definition makes the history of memes much more expansive and far-reaching. Limor Shifman, who is a key figure in meme research, explains that internet memes are postmodern folklore. So, we could say that memes are inherent within folklore generally.”
While the popularity of memes shows no signs of slowing down, it might be interesting to know what elements are necessary for something to be considered a meme. Idil explained that if we look at academic research about the matter, the main elements of a meme are content, form and stance. “Although ultimately, a meme becomes a meme once it is shared with others. The logic of circulation, or sharing, is part and parcel of memes.”
While a lot of memes are created purely for entertainment, others can be used for communication and social commentary. According to Idil, memes play a variety of roles in today's culture. “They are fulfilling social, political, cultural and even economic functions. Something that surprises people is the fact that sharing a meme with a friend can be an act of friendship! I recently saw a tweet that described the TikToks that friends send each other as 'friend homework,' for example. Another significant role they play is that they facilitate the construction of identity, and community belonging. We can tell stories about who we are and extend narratives about ourselves and our worlds by making, sharing and engaging with internet memes. They're also a good way to kill time.”
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#25
Brittany Howard 2 years ago (edited)
You can always spot a Hieronymus Bosch painting right away. 😳
#26
#30
Meowmeow 2 years ago
I'm no quitter! ... Actually yes, yes I am. But not on the one thing I've been consistent at my whole life. No sir, I'm not giving up on desserts! Not today!
Vyxsin (she/her) 2 years ago
"I eat because I'm unhappy, and I'm unhappy because I eat! It's a vicious cycle!"
Riley Quinn 2 years ago
There's always room for a wafer-thin mint. A tiny, little, thin one. It's only wafer thin. Just the one.
Carlos Vargas 11 months ago
Only women would find this hilarious bc only fat b*tches think like this.
Tiki Stanford 2 years ago
Omg, that hit too close... (I wonder if we still have banana bread?)
#32
Discarded lithium batteries 2 years ago
Why is Thomas the train in sleep paralysis demon form on top of the bed?
#38
Kristie French 2 years ago
Most of these artworks I’ve seen previously, but not this one. It’s very beautiful. Anyone know what it is, name, artist?
#41
Alias-the-shade 2 years ago
Well you didn’t have a conscious yet that’s suffers from existential crisis
#49
Kenny Kulbiski 2 years ago
Well, that's nice, but I came over to tell you that you left your phone on the bar.
#50
JoyfulZebra 2 years ago
"I need to have my stomach pumped after eating 100 chicken nuggets in a single sitting?? Who could have guessed?!"
#52
#53
#55
#57
Amanda Rose 2 years ago
This would be me with my cross stitching projects! 332158664_...284596.jpg 
#58
#82
Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 2 years ago
If she's trying to talk about a problem maybe u should listen
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What do you think ?
Blackheart 2 years ago (edited)
Hello. My name is Blackheart. I am an art teacher and I have an addiction to classic art memes.
The Darkest Timeline 2 years ago
Definitely worse things to be addicted to
Load More Replies...
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
They got rid of all the censor bars on this post! I’m shocked! A bare breast or bum on BoredPanda!? Maybe they are learning just how ridiculous and dangerous censorship is.
Load More Replies... Carlos Vargas 11 months ago
Most of these aren’t memes. This is just one hurt girl who has nobody to vent out with (justifiable).
Blackheart 2 years ago (edited)
Hello. My name is Blackheart. I am an art teacher and I have an addiction to classic art memes.
The Darkest Timeline 2 years ago
Definitely worse things to be addicted to
Load More Replies... LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
They got rid of all the censor bars on this post! I’m shocked! A bare breast or bum on BoredPanda!? Maybe they are learning just how ridiculous and dangerous censorship is.
Load More Replies... Carlos Vargas 11 months ago
Most of these aren’t memes. This is just one hurt girl who has nobody to vent out with (justifiable).
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