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Art and history Pandas, you’re in for a treat today! Comedy lovers, get in here, too. We’re featuring some of the best new classical art and art history memes from the wildly popular r/trippinthroughtime subreddit.

Home to nearly 4.2 million art meme fans, the online community has shown that old artwork paired with modern captions can result in explosively hilarious combinations. Not to mention the spot-on social commentary you can do while proving that pretty much nothing has fundamentally changed over hundreds of years. We’re all plagued by the very same worries as our forefathers, and old paintings are full of incredibly expressive people who mirror our own feelings with eerie accuracy.

Upvote your fave art history memes and be sure to tell us which ones you loved the most and why, dear Pandas. You probably realized that we absolutely love art history memes. How much, you ask? Well, we’ve got three previous articles about r/trippinthroughtime waiting for you when you’re done enjoying this newest list: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Unlike most galleries, Bored Panda encourages running and loud laughter.

#3

Hit The Nail On The Head With This One

Hit The Nail On The Head With This One

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

There's an old Bill Hicks routine where he poses this question. He likened it to going up to Jackie Onassis wearing a sniper-rifle pendant. https://youtu.be/pJSZcxXe7IQ

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

The cross is not worshipped in any mainstream Christian sect. It is merely a symbol.

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

The Cross is the symbol of the pain Jesus had to endure on earth and crucified on, but came back to life afterwards. That is why the Cross is an important Christian symbol. It has the meaning of overcoming all the pain.

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

No, it’s not about just pain. the cross is a symbol of Jesus’s death which paid the price for our sins. (I’m not practicing anymore but I studied theology in college!)

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

Combine this with the symbolic eating of the flesh and drinking of the blood. If you just came across this on social media you'd think it was some kinda cannibalistic vampire death cult. I think maybe the message got twisted between then and now.

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

Caucasian Jesus explaining how to turn water into wine. It's always pulls in the crowd.

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O.M.Miki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

c-mon the cross is just a symbol.... to remind us of his sacrifice.

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

Also a lot of scholars don't think a 't' shape would even work to crucify someone. An 'x' shape makes more sense and it's how the Romans did it. At least according to Expedition Unknown.

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God's not dead
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wanna say that true Christianity isn't a religion! God isn't boring!! When you get to know Him, you see that He shows you signs every day, miracles happen (people heal from diseases they are born with, addictions are over...), God speaks to you through the Bible and other people... There is no need to go to sermons, remember prayers and try to become a good person. Christians go to church bc they love God and they read the Bible bc they have a hunger for His Word (I have it since I was converted). When they teach that we need good works to be loved by God it's also untrue! God already loves us so strongly that He chose to give up on His only Son rather than give up on us. We weren't even born when Jesus suffered and died for us. We can't enter God's Kingdom when we die bc we are sinful while God is holy, just and good. When Jesus ressurected, He made it possible for us to rise up too. And when we trust in Him and repent, God changes our heart into one which is able to love!

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

In my branch of Christianity we worship the resurection more than the crusifixion itself (I probably spelled that wrong) but we dont focus all our attention on the atonment in itself. We focus on how to improve ourselves NOW instead of focusing our attention on the past.

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God's not dead
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wanna say that the past is also important because Jesus suffered and died for us so we wouldn't go to hell. Even if we improve ourselves we still can't enter God's Kingdom when we die because we are sinful (we lie, get jealous, angry, blaspheme...) and He is holy, good and just and can't let evil in. But when Jesus took our sins and rose from the dead, we can rise up too just we need to repent for our sins and trust in Him. We can't become good by ourselves, because our good works won't hide our bad ones. Only a wonderful gift, given for free, can take us to heaven. And God is giving us this gift, but we need to take it. When we do it, God changes our heart and ONLY THEN we can become better people because we have God's power to do so.

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

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I abhor the symbol the cross represents ... he's always being crucified in absolute agony & dying! What? Why? This is how I want to see Him.

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

The part where You willingly took my sin upon Yourself to reconcile me to You.

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

Cross reverence is idolatry. It was a horrific torture device used to crucify Christ and nowhere in the Bible are we told to use it as a "symbol" to remember Christ's sacrifice. Not to mention: how many Christians are aware of what the cross even means and its pagan origins? 🤔

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

Especially since the Romans mostly used T’s, not crosses. So much easier to build. And all the stupids showing nails in the palms not the wrists.

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

None of it makes sense. "There is only one god and you should worship me and me alone...". But everyone worships Jeebus too, so...??? Also he didn't die for our sins, he was murdered. Wait, it just a work of fiction, so who gives a c**p!

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God's not dead
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God is one in being but three in person. I know it's hard to understand but it's actually one God. All three have their own possition (God is the Creator and the "manager of the Earth", Jesus is our best friend who died for us, Spirit is who dwells on Earth and in whom we can feel God's presence). The Bible is God's word given for us to understand the Truth (we can't find any clearer truth in the world). Jesus was murdered, but it has a meaning. We all do wrong (lie, get angry, jealous, blaspheme) so we can't be with God when we die as He is holy and good and just. But Jesus dieing and ressurecting means that we can rise up too because our sins are forgiven. God's wrath was lied on Jesus but not on us. We can spend the eternity with God only if we repent and trust in Jesus. Because if we don't choose Him now, we won't get Him after we die. And we will die the second time from the hand of living God who will judge us. We need a Saviour!

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

What we believe is that Jesus gave himself up to the cross (or death in other words) to take away the sins of mankind. We (Catholics at least) don't worship a cross,we worship and honor the sacrifice made on it.

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

Can he please ask why his birthday is on a fixed date while date of his death depends on the moon??

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

Seriously! This never made any sense to me, either. I'm just glad he wasn't drawn and quartered or flayed. Eeeewwwww!!

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God's not dead
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cross means that God chose to give up on His own son rather than give up on us. He loves us so much. If anybody has ever sinned one single time, they can't enter God's kingdom as He is good and perfect and just. So He can't let evil in and will judge us. But there was a plan for Jesus to die so that when God looks at us He doesn't see sin anymore but He sees Jesus and tells us: 'my beloved son'. Jesus took our sin, our sadness, our anger and rose from the dead so that we will too. If we accept this as truth and repent for our sins we will live the eternity and get to know how awesome God is❤ But if we don't trust in Him, we will have no choise than to fall into hands of living God after we die and it isn't going to end well. Because if we don't need Him, then He won't need us in His glory in the eternity.

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

According to Matthew 16:24, the cross was a symbol used by the followers of Jesus even before he was crucified.

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Everything is fascinating.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was a metaphor used by Jesus, but the Ankh was similar and the Tau was used in Old Testament times. The cross is not Christian, like Easter and Christmas, was adopted later to appease the Pagans.

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

WE don't worship the cross , it is a symbol that Jesus conquered death. Many churches have an empty cross to show this, not Jesus perpetually hanging there.

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God's not dead
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Empty cross is beautiful. Because Jesus didn't only die - he ressurected! His tomb is completely empty! And we can rise up too if we trust in Him and repent❤

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

They worship the devil coz the cross is the simbol for the death of Jesus

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God's not dead
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We worship the ressurection because Jesus made it possible for us sinners spend the eternity with holy God by taking off our sins.

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The r/trippinthroughtime subreddit has been capturing the imaginations of redditors far and wide since the late summer of 2013. In the years since, it’s become a major congregation point for everyone who likes to have a good chuckle and has a certain soft spot for paint, old books, and a dash of sociology.

You can tell that the sub loves to have fun from its description of itself alone. “In historic art pieces depicting multiple humans, there is a law that at least one of those humans will look like they have no clue how or why they got there. It's like Where's Waldo, except instead of looking for Waldo you're looking for the dude that looks like he just dropped acid.” See? We told you.

#5

Every Got' Dang Time!

Every Got' Dang Time!

Hybrid-Moment Report

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#6

But The Video Games Make Kids Violent, Mean While In The Past

But The Video Games Make Kids Violent, Mean While In The Past

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The moderators who keep the subreddit’s ship sailing smoothly recommend that the folks posting memes should also add the era, mention the historical event, and give a general indication of what the source of the painting is.

That way, anyone who’s been awed by the beauty of the art itself can Google their way into more knowledge. What’s more, anyone who’s interested in the historical background can do their own research far easier than if everyone keeps the sources secret.

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#9

It’s Important To Set Up Healthy Boundaries!

It’s Important To Set Up Healthy Boundaries!

Bmchris44 Report

Shelby Bercume, a former Florida art gallery director and an expert in all things art, previously explained to Bored Panda that, in her opinion, accessibility and a more empathetic approach are vital when it comes to getting more people interested. Many people find art history “intimidating and difficult to grasp” because it’s not a subject that’s often taught in schools.

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"I don’t necessarily think art history is an inaccessible entity, but I know that people tend to feel intimidated by things they aren’t experts in. Since art is often, if not always subjective, it feels even more intimidating than a subject with a 'right answer,' like math for example. I think often that leads to a disconnect between the desire to dive into the subject of art and by relation art history, and the execution of it,” the art expert told Bored Panda during an interview.

#13

Answering The Big Questions

Answering The Big Questions

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#15

Happens Every Time

Happens Every Time

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Stardust she/her
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or when I put on headphones. Right now my brother is trying to talk to me about something useless despite wearing them

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Art should be as democratic as possible, the expert shared. It shouldn’t be exclusionary. Everyone should have access to it, no matter their education. No matter their background.

“Art is something to be enjoyed and shouldn’t be reserved for an exclusive group," the former gallery director said.

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#17

Who?!

Who?!

insolent_swine Report

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

He wants to make sure your book doesn't violate community standards :D

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#18

Good Thing There’s No Fly In It

Good Thing There’s No Fly In It

insolent_swine Report

"Art is aesthetics and feelings. If you love something, voice why you love it... if you can’t find the words, that’s ok! Talking about art is really discussing how the art affects your emotional state and what thoughts it provokes," the expert told us.

#20

Small Island Held By 13 Ukrainians Told A Russian Warship To Go F**k Itself After The Warship Told Them To Surrender

Small Island Held By 13 Ukrainians Told A Russian Warship To Go F**k Itself After The Warship Told Them To Surrender

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#21

Alternative Scenarios

Alternative Scenarios

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"And remember, it is ok to not love everything, believe it or not, certain artworks are meant to be disturbing or disliked. Just don’t be intimidated to speak up because that’s really all we’re doing when we talk about art. We’re voicing opinions."

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#23

Think Twice Before You Definitely Decide For Parenthood

Think Twice Before You Definitely Decide For Parenthood

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Meanwhile, art historian and educational content creator Mary McGillivray explained to Bored Panda that it’s often people’s own perceptions about art and art history that stop them from learning more about both. In other words, if we think the areas are too high-brow for us, we won’t attempt to delve deeper. Even though the reality might be different.

#26

There Was Some Artistic License Used

There Was Some Artistic License Used

Scaulbylausis Report

#27

Respect For The Hustle

Respect For The Hustle

killHACKS Report

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Stardust she/her
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Buy your Jesus shirts here, we also have customizable pins featuring him on the cross. 25% off if you chant all the verses in the bible”

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“A lot of people think that art history is very serious and very important and this leads to them feeling overwhelmed—or even feeling like art history isn't for them. This isn't true! I've said it before and I'll say it again, art history is just old memes. Once we start to see the humor and the humanity in art, it becomes far less intimidating,” Mary said.

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#29

Barrels Of Fashion

Barrels Of Fashion

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#31

Yes

Yes

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#32

I'll Only Let You In If You Have Sunflower Seeds In Your Pockets

I'll Only Let You In If You Have Sunflower Seeds In Your Pockets

MyNameGifOreilly Report

#34

Now We Know Why It’s The Best Selling Book Of All Time

Now We Know Why It’s The Best Selling Book Of All Time

apkleber Report

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

Dude on right : "Why're you waving your hand in the air like that? My hand's right here if you want to shake it."

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#35

That's A Big Difference

That's A Big Difference

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#37

As Soon As You Start To Eat

As Soon As You Start To Eat

Pazluz Report

#40

Sayeth Thou The Words, With Thine Own Lips

Sayeth Thou The Words, With Thine Own Lips

insolent_swine Report

Note: this post originally had 116 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.