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When you think of old paintings, your mind may wander to an image with a somber, stiff tone. It’s likely because most of the surviving pieces are religious, creating an impression that this type of artwork often carries a serious vibe.
What most people don’t see is the vibrant and humorous side, which you will see in the following images. They instantly break the impression of this supposedly restrained form of visual expression, making them extra funny.
Check out this list to see what we mean, and as always, don’t forget to upvote your favorites!
This post may include affiliate links.
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#2
What Is This?
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 9 hours ago
This is what happens in your dreams when you eat strong cheese late at night.
#3
4-Year-Old Girl With Cat And Fish
In recent years, experts have begun challenging the “dark and gloomy” reputation that has long been associated with medieval art. In an article for The Conversation, academics José Alberto Moráis Morán and María Dolores Teijer Pablos began to dispel this notion by mentioning the colorful interiors of the Old Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.
#4
This Dog Or Cat ?
I stumbled across this beauty today and needless to say, I like it’s eyes and lips.
#5
Dispute Of St. Catherine With The Philosophers
#6
Interesting Medieval Painting
According to Pablos and Morán, the original basilica, built around 326 to 333 AD on the orders of the Roman emperor Constantine, had large windows that made the entire space feel bright and airy.
The building also had marble mosaics and textiles, which ultimately proves that medieval architecture’s reputation for being “dark and sinister” was purely a myth.
#7
Welcome To My Delightful Spread
#8
Le Chat D'ostende
#9
This Painting Of An Absolute Unit
“Many buildings of the early Middle Ages were painted in bright colours, though the passage of time has erased these fragile murals,” Pablos and Morán wrote.
As for artwork, both academics referred to the color restoration of the Amiens Cathedral in France. Pablos and Morán pointed out the “striking” shades of red and blue on the sculptures to prove that Medieval art was “colorful and lively.”
#10
This Cat Is A Mood?
Some view Medieval art as odd, including author Olivia Swarthout. She even started a social media account aptly named “Weird Medieval Guys,” showing the peculiarities of the genre. As of this posting, the account has more than 600,000 followers (and counting).
“What makes them funny is often a juxtaposition of expression and situation, plus the medieval setting,” Swarthout told the Guardian in a 2012 interview, noting that her pieces are about giving something where people can say, “That reminds me of myself.”
#13
Perna (Oyster) - Miniature From Folio 108v From Der Naturen Bloeme (Kb Ka 16)
#14
Singing Angels
#15
Saint-Lifard
For Swarthout, it’s all about capturing the essence of the time period through its many imperfections, which she believes makes such images a hit with many people.
“There’s so much contained in this art – and particularly in the fact that a lot of it isn’t all that well-executed or approached with the artistic precision that we’re familiar with – that actually tells us so much about medieval life,” she explained.
#16
"But This Is My Emotional Support Lobster!!" Said Gilbert, Defensively
Sue Denham 2 hours ago
Oh, right. And here was me thinking it was his emotional support toupee.
#17
Giving Your Cat Their Medicine
#18
Spotted This Guy At The Gemäldegalerie In Berlin Last Year, He Looks Like A Grumpy Old Man
#21
Salome Dancing
#22
Medieval Partytime
#23
Dog Treating A Bedridden Cat For "Melancholy" (Source Unknown, CA. 12th Century)
#24
Quentin Matsys - A Grotesque Old Woman
#25
Just Get In The Pot, Brian
Apocalypse de S. Jean, en français. Gallica BnF.
#26
The Dream Of The Three Wise Men
#28
What Is Making Him So Sad?
#29
A Depiction Of A Leopard In The 12th-Century Aberdeen Bestiary
#30
(Internal Dialogue) I'm Not Fat I'm Just Big Boned
#31
Benedictine Monk With Wine As A Morning Drink
#32
"You Must Have Scared Him, Cupcake Is Usually So Friendly". St Martha And The Tarasque
Multa Nocte 6 hours ago
This beast is from the town of Tarascon in southern France. My great-grandmother is from its sister town, Beaucaire, which is on the other side of the river.
#33
Devil Bearing Jesus
#34
A Hound Riding On A Rabbit And A Rabbit Riding On A Snail Battle With Shields And Lances
#35
Elephants From The Rochester Bestiary
#36
This Was Part Of A Manuscript Written By Jean Mansel In France 1454
I wonder why cats always looked so weird in medieval drawings.
#37
Book Of Hours
#39
Captivity Of Jeholachin King Of Israel
#40
Leo Flores
#41
John The Fearless
#44
Fresco Cycle Featuring Scenes From The Life Of St. Martin Of Tours, Chapel In The Lower Church Of San Francesco In Assisi, Scene
#45
The Feast Of The Bean King
#48
Snail Attack
#50
Two Fishermen On An Aspidochelone, C. 1270
Multa Nocte 6 hours ago
WikiDiki --> "According to the tradition of the Physiologus and medieval bestiaries, the aspidochelone is a fabled sea creature, variously described as a large whale or vast sea turtle, and a giant sea monster with huge spines on the ridge of its back. No matter what form it is, it is always described as being so huge that it is often mistaken for a rocky island covered with sand dunes and vegetation. The name aspidochelone appears to be a compound word combining Greek aspis (which means either "asp" or "shield"), and chelone, the turtle. It rises to the surface from the depths of the sea, and entices unwitting sailors with its island appearance to make landfall on its huge shell and then the whale is able to pull them under the ocean, ship and all the people, drowning them. It also emits a sweet smell that lures fish into its trap where it then devours them."
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linnetteavianna 2 hours ago
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Load More Replies... linnetteavianna 2 hours ago
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