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Very often, adding a short piece of text to a single picture results in a complete change of the context of what we’re looking at. This is especially amusing when observing captured activities, emotions, or interactions between subjects in the image. Adding a funny comment in this way may alter the original meaning and give it a hilarious twist.

The subreddit 'Trippin Through Time' features an impressive collection of classical art turned into memes, shared by its community. The fact that all of them are inspired by original paintings makes them even funnier and proves that even images from hundreds of years ago, with a bit of context, can turn out to be very current and relatable to many of us.

Scroll down to see the list of the recent memes from the subreddit and to read our interview with Matthew Ponesse, Professor of History at Ohio Dominican University.

#1

Not Again

Not Again

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    #2

    Thats A Valid Question

    Thats A Valid Question

    Caricsy Report

    Pat Head
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Classical art shattering the 4th wall. Love it.

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    Bored Panda reached out to Matthew Ponesse, Professor of History at Ohio Dominican University. According to his faculty profile, he earned his Bachelor's degree with majors in history and philosophy at the University of Toronto. Subsequently, he pursued graduate work at the University of Toronto's Centre for Medieval Studies, obtaining his M.A. and Ph.D. in the field of Medieval Studies.

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    In addition to his academic work, Ponesse is also the author of humorous content on his Instagram profile, 'Medievalist Matt.' This account is dedicated to sharing memes inspired by art, pop culture, and history. Hence, we wanted to discuss the role of classical art in creating relatable memes that reference images from distant times.

    #4

    The Last Straw

    The Last Straw

    Kzero01 Report

    #5

    A Worthwhile Outing

    A Worthwhile Outing

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    #6

    Back From Maternity Leave

    Back From Maternity Leave

    mistermajik2000 Report

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    Eager to discover more about the inspiration behind Matthew’s work, we asked how his background in art influenced his approach to meme creation. The Professor of History shared with us: “My background as a medieval historian has most greatly influenced my approach to meme creation. Much of the art produced during the Middle Ages developed in a very specific historical context. When brought into the modern world, these images appear bizarre and outlandish. It's this disconnect between the medieval and modern world that I think people find humorous.”

    #7

    I'll Brb Guys

    I'll Brb Guys

    feelingood41 Report

    #8

    Well, If You Insist.

    Well, If You Insist.

    Brassballs1976 Report

    BPisaddictive 🇮🇹 🤌
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the Vesuvius for sure, I'm from Naples! The ladies wear old traditional neapolitan clothes

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    #9

    Displaced Aggression

    Displaced Aggression

    feelingood41 Report

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    Asked if there are any specific art movements or artists from the classical era that Ponesse particularly enjoys working with, he answered: “I particularly enjoy working with medieval marginalia, the illustrations often found in the borders of medieval manuscripts. While the text of most medieval manuscripts concerns serious topics, the margins are where artists and illustrators were allowed to experiment and create. Many people assume that life in the Middle Ages was serious and bleak, but medieval art reveals a world that was also bright, imaginative, and full of laughter.”

    #10

    Bless You, And Bless Me

    Bless You, And Bless Me

    Murba Report

    The Original Bruno
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOL, Seriously, what a*****e painted this? That's just RUDE!

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    #11

    Perhaps.

    Perhaps.

    private_spectacle Report

    Stephanie A Mutti
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I'm feeling delightfully pretentious, I enjoy using a good "mayhap"

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    #12

    George Would Soon Find Out That Anne Was Reaching For Ctrl+alt+del

    George Would Soon Find Out That Anne Was Reaching For Ctrl+alt+del

    GonWithTheNen Report

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    Lastly, we were wondering if the professor from Ohio encountered any unexpected responses related to the content shared on the Medievalist Matt profile. He shared that: “I'm most surprised at how many people relate to my memes. I'd describe my memes as very niche, and first thought that they'd only appeal to art historians and students of ancient and medieval history. But I'm often contacted by people who tell me that they share my memes with their colleagues in healthcare, business, and a variety of other professions. While many of these people remember their history classes as being dull and boring, they clearly have a fascination with the past and enjoy historical content.”

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    #13

    Got Any Plans This Weekend?

    Got Any Plans This Weekend?

    xyzerb Report

    #14

    Real Planets Have Curves

    Real Planets Have Curves

    xyzerb Report

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    #16

    /U/Spez Right Now

    /U/Spez Right Now

    St0pX Report

    Zaphod
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's me, hi I'm the problem, it's me.

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    #17

    Laundry Day

    Laundry Day

    mistermajik2000 Report

    Elio
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This painting knows things about me. Scary.

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    #18

    You What?

    You What?

    Elrivee Report

    The Original Bruno
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Not really. Can't say the same though for Mr. Bun-bun."

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    #19

    Pronouncing It Wrong Because I Only Read It In A Book

    Pronouncing It Wrong Because I Only Read It In A Book

    jolieflamme Report

    #20

    Meirl

    Meirl

    -badly_packed_kebab- Report

    JoyfulZebra
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the heck is going on in the lower left painting??

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    #21

    Can’t Lose If You Ain’t Playing The Game

    Can’t Lose If You Ain’t Playing The Game

    Scaulbylausis Report

    #22

    Relationship Advice

    Relationship Advice

    mistermajik2000 Report

    Panda Kicki
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They had very different raspberries back then.. And where does the centaur poop? 😱

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    #23

    Girl, He's Not Worth It

    Girl, He's Not Worth It

    nick9000 Report

    Laura Mortensen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm curious as to why the lady in white is wearing one glove.

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    #25

    We Are Not The Same

    We Are Not The Same

    milarra Report

    #26

    The Nightmare

    The Nightmare

    Fluid_Ad3542 Report

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    #27

    Angels

    Angels

    Tokyono Report

    The Original Bruno
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OK, that one guy's a real a*s, but come on, folks...

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    #29

    That Special “Out Of Touch” Feeling

    That Special “Out Of Touch” Feeling

    mistermajik2000 Report

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

    What does it mean? Asking for a friend.

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    #30

    You Can Almost Smell Him

    You Can Almost Smell Him

    mistermajik2000 Report

    DJR
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No thanks, I'm vegetarian

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    #31

    Demons

    Demons

    Tokyono Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To quote a Brit - queue up!

    #32

    Bye

    Bye

    nick9000 Report

    Alex Boyd
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    start with "Best wishes!" And then just keep adding exclamation points until it looks sincere. Realize you overshot and now it looks sarcastic. Briefly consider a wacky caper in which you replace the card and forge everyone else's signatures, then remember you aren't a sitcom character. Give up and pass the card to the next person.

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    #33

    Aaaaand I'm Done

    Aaaaand I'm Done

    Refried__Dreams Report

    #34

    Merry Xmas

    Merry Xmas

    Tokyono Report

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    #35

    That Grilled Cheese Burrito Tho...

    That Grilled Cheese Burrito Tho...

    charming_amy Report

    #36

    I Whip Out The 1-Ply When I Feel Lonely

    I Whip Out The 1-Ply When I Feel Lonely

    Refried__Dreams Report

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    #37

    College Boy

    College Boy

    Tokyono Report

    #38

    Surely I'm Not The Only One This Has Happened To, Right?

    Surely I'm Not The Only One This Has Happened To, Right?

    thehopelessheathen Report

    Justme
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Usually the admin assistant. It boggles me when people can’t click around and figure out some things (easy things). No one taught me how to do this, I just clicked around and figured it out!

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    #39

    Greatest Fear

    Greatest Fear

    Tokyono Report

    SCP 4666
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who said I will be alone. I will have my cats with me

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    #40

    Your 30s Are So Weird Because…

    Your 30s Are So Weird Because…

    mistermajik2000 Report

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    #41

    Me Pretending…

    Me Pretending…

    mistermajik2000 Report

    #42

    Sorry For Acting Weird…

    Sorry For Acting Weird…

    mistermajik2000 Report

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    #43

    Christmas Shopping

    Christmas Shopping

    mistermajik2000 Report

    #44

    Careful, He's A Hero

    Careful, He's A Hero

    jpopworldhi Report

    Lene
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At the bar I once frequented there was this group of young guys one evening who got very very drunk. One of them was so drunk he managed to buy 30 shots and he brought them to the table, he sat down, and *boom* he fell asleep. Nobody ever drank any of the shots and the dude had to be escorted outside when the bar closed. Lol. Never saw those people again.

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    #45

    The Temptation Of Saint Qdoba

    The Temptation Of Saint Qdoba

    xyzerb Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "CERTAINLY, Sir!" (I *love* simple, easy solutions! Now to pad the check for these idiots!)

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    #46

    Bff

    Bff

    Tokyono Report

    #47

    Instant Mood-Kill

    Instant Mood-Kill

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    #48

    We'll Always Be Friends, Right Copper

    We'll Always Be Friends, Right Copper

    Clorst_Glornk Report

    ️️Upvote faery️
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awe a "Fox and the Hound" reference in the title❤️❤️❤️

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    #49

    The Breakfast Club In 1550

    The Breakfast Club In 1550

    Tokyono Report

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    #50

    The Tease

    The Tease

    Tokyono Report

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

    No, you can't borrow my shoes. I don't care if we're the same size.

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    #51

    When You Meet For The First Time, And See Things That Wasn't Obvious By The Profile Pics. Just Deal With It.

    When You Meet For The First Time, And See Things That Wasn't Obvious By The Profile Pics. Just Deal With It.

    ivanchovv Report

    #52

    Oh... Hey!... Nice To Meet You!

    Oh... Hey!... Nice To Meet You!

    feelingood41 Report

    rustythorn
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly Jesus could no longer walk on water after he got the holes in his feet

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    #53

    Why Not Just Tell Me I Look Like Shit??

    Why Not Just Tell Me I Look Like Shit??

    Refried__Dreams Report

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    #54

    He "Fell" In Love

    He "Fell" In Love

    Tokyono Report

    #55

    Built-In Radar

    Built-In Radar

    Refried__Dreams Report

    Jeff Hunt
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or, go to the bathroom. Or, make a snack. Or, sit down to watch something other than cocomelon.

    #56

    Sorry I’m Late

    Sorry I’m Late

    mistermajik2000 Report

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    #57

    The Best Job In Hell

    The Best Job In Hell

    Tokyono Report

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    #58

    All The Kings Horses And All The King's Men Couldn't Make The Towers Appealing Again

    All The Kings Horses And All The King's Men Couldn't Make The Towers Appealing Again

    xyzerb Report

    #59

    'tis The Season Of The Lazy Hatchet Man

    'tis The Season Of The Lazy Hatchet Man

    xyzerb Report

    #60

    Tale As Old As Time

    Tale As Old As Time

    mistermajik2000 Report

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    #61

    There's Plenty Of Me To Go Around

    There's Plenty Of Me To Go Around

    Refried__Dreams Report

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    #62

    Modern Dating Is Way More Convenient

    Modern Dating Is Way More Convenient

    Tokyono Report

    #63

    A Quiet Spot For Enjoying The Greenery

    A Quiet Spot For Enjoying The Greenery

    xyzerb Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heck, Mom would'a been in there partying with the rest of us!

    #64

    So Deep

    So Deep

    Tokyono Report

    My “in my head” Voice
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, conjure up your own place. You're 43, it's time you move out.

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    #65

    And Then Come The Convenience Fees

    And Then Come The Convenience Fees

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    #66

    Too Much Food

    Too Much Food

    Tokyono Report

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

    "Okay, this is not what I ordered."

    #67

    Slayyy The Beast

    Slayyy The Beast

    QuicklyThisWay Report

    #68

    Trippin' Through Spam

    Trippin' Through Spam

    xyzerb Report

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    #69

    Just What The Heck Is In Gamgam's Cherries?

    Just What The Heck Is In Gamgam's Cherries?

    ivanchovv Report

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    #70

    Same Thing With The Tent

    Same Thing With The Tent

    charming_amy Report

    #71

    How Not To Motivate An Army Before A Major Battle

    How Not To Motivate An Army Before A Major Battle

    Tokyono Report

    Natty Tempest
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And God on our side! A white one! And all theirs are fake, so we should stab them with farm tools.

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    #72

    Pardon The Mess, I'm Renovating My Inner World

    Pardon The Mess, I'm Renovating My Inner World

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    #73

    Student Loans Also About To Show Up

    Student Loans Also About To Show Up

    reddit.com Report

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    #74

    Jackass

    Jackass

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    #75

    Less Taste, More Filling

    Less Taste, More Filling

    xyzerb Report