Classical art and elements of digital technology like memes are two worlds apart. But who says you can’t mix these two to create something funny to draw some quick laughs?
The Classical Art Central Facebook page made it happen. It combined the trademark look of the 1700s with the wit and the often-dry meme humor that usually goes viral.
You’ll find the same themes about the absurdity of life, only this time, it comes with a clasically-themed piece of art. They’re uniquely hilarious, as you’ll see while scrolling through.
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: ???????'? #???
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Image credits: Kitty Kitty Cat
One pattern you’ll notice in these photos is that they feature people. There aren’t many still images of landscapes, objects, or architecture.
Classical art was more about the human form presented as idealistic figures. Smiling in photos wasn’t common during the era, and you’ll see it in these facial expressions.
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Janneke Perk
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Image credits: Nathan Boulton
Art has come a long way since the classical period, but there remains an appreciation for this type of motif. It’s why memes like this exist: combining elements of the old and new creates something unique.
Memes are easily relatable, and using images with a classical theme also gives younger generations exposure to this type of art.
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Image credits: Kitty Kitty Cat
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: That one MLP page
Another thing you may notice is that these images are generally more neutral in color. There aren’t many bright hues that would draw your attention. Classical art focused more on composition and lines, with color being secondary.
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: Azhaya Lax
One of the classical art memes that went viral recently was the “Corona Lisa.” It’s a wordplay on the Mona Lisa and coronavirus, poking fun at the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
A few variations of this meme went around, drawing chuckles and some much-needed levity during a stressful time. One version featured the Mona Lisa wearing a surgical mask, and another had her wearing a gas mask.
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Janneke Perk
Let’s hear from you, dear readers. Why do you think classical art and memes go well together? Which ones among these images did you find the funniest? Let’s discuss them in the comments!
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Image credits: That one MLP page
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Image credits: Kitty Kitty Cat
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: General Stephen R. Lyons
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Image credits: Louise Karreman
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Image credits: Linda Hagler
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: That one MLP page
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Image credits: That one MLP page
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: Nathan Boulton
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Image credits: Is How Funny
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Image credits: Is How Funny
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Image credits: Louise Karreman
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Azhaya Lax
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Image credits: Inge Boulonois
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Image credits: Dave Bentley
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Derek Arora
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Image credits: Derek Arora
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Image credits: Derek Arora
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Image credits: Felicity Sim
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Image credits: ???????'? #???
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Image credits: Lovely & Funniest Cats
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Image credits: Tessa Farel
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Image credits: Jason Sharukh
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Image credits: Lovely & Funniest Cats
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Misss una
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Image credits: Carroll Dale
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: Jowanna Enad
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Image credits: Jennifer Kelly
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Nita Mitchell
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Is How Funny
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Dave Bentley
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Image credits: Inge Boulonois
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Classical Art Central
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Image credits: Moti Whiz
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Image credits: Dave Bentley
