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Few would argue against the fact that the Renaissance period produced some of the most beautiful art the world has ever seen. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael would spend years to achieve the level of skill and detail we admire in their paintings and other works. However, nowadays, with technological advancements on our side, it seems that this level of craft can be obtained just by snapping a picture with a phone.And the Accidental Renaissance subreddit is the perfect proof of that. Scroll down to see some of the best unintentional artworks that even famous artists would be jealous of and be sure to upvote the ones that look like they came straight from a Renaissance painter's workshop.

#1

He Knows How To Pose For The Camera

Cat on a red armchair by a sunlit plant, resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #2

    Some People Said It Looks Like A Renaissance Painting

    A crow on an old window ledge, evoking a Renaissance painting aesthetic with rustic details.

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    But what makes these photographs resemble the Renaissance era, you may be asking? Well, to find out, we need to first learn about the period. 

    Renaissance in French means ‘rebirth.’ The choice of words here isn’t merely accidental, as the whole era spanning from the 14th to 17th centuries was defined by Europe's cultural, artistic, political, and economic revival.

    #4

    Help Me Find This Bride Who Got Married At York Oratory On Saturday?

    A person kneeling before a bride, in a setting reminiscent of Renaissance paintings, with ornate architectural details.

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    #5

    Something My Dad Sent In The Family Group Chat

    Cows grazing in a misty field with barren trees, resembling a serene Renaissance painting.

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    sbj
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can feel the icy crispiness in the air just looking at this image

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    #6

    My Window’s View Looks Like A Painting

    View of a sunlit grassy field through a window, resembling Renaissance paintings with its serene, natural landscape.

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    sbj
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're so lucky to have this stunning view and I am completely jealous

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    Following the Dark Middle Ages, which saw few advancements, the Renaissance era promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature, and art.

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    This push created the humanism movement, which encouraged the idea that man is the center of the universe and that every human being should embrace their achievements in education, classical arts, literature, and science.

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    The invention of the Gutenberg printing press in 1450 allowed scientists and thinkers of the era to spread their fresh ideas more quickly. It also improved communication throughout the entire Europe.

    #10

    Mom Napping After A Long Flight

    Woman reclined on a chair wrapped in a blanket, resembling a Renaissance painting with a dog looking on.

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    #11

    Cats On Expired Fuji Velvia 50

    Cats behind a window resemble Renaissance paintings, with a vase of vibrant flowers in the foreground.

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    #12

    Woman In Kazakh Church That I Snapped A Pic Of

    Person arranging flowers in a room with stained glass, resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You wouldn't have convinced me this was a photo instead of a picture if this wasn't in this gallery.

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    During the Renaissance, science and art were fused seamlessly, which meant that artists like da Vinci included scientific principles like anatomy in their work to recreate the human body with a precision never seen before. The influence of science on art also made it realistic and naturalistic. Artists strived to depict people and objects as close to real life as possible.

    #13

    I Was Told I Should Post This Here

    Dog gazing into a mirror, resembling a Renaissance painting with sunflower wallpaper background.

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    #15

    Neighborhood Cat Knocked Over Our Half-Full Watering Can And Was Gloating Over Her Victory When I Got Home

    Front porch with scattered pumpkins and a tipped watering can, resembling a Renaissance painting in composition.

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    Artists’ most used techniques during this era were perspective, shadows, and light, which added depth and emotion to their work. Similar to Renaissance paintings, “accidental Renaissance” pictures entail natural, warm colors, and a shadowy look.

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    #17

    The Rebirth

    Cats arranged in a circle resembling a Renaissance painting on a patterned rug.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ack! I am now overwhelmed with all these cats, but in a positive way! I just want a few more!

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    #18

    A Guy Trying To Explain What An Nft Is

    People sitting outside a bar at night, resembling a Renaissance painting with dramatic lighting and composition.

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    However, unlike the “accidental Renaissance” photos, the actual paintings of the era would take several years to make. For example, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper took three years to paint, while the infamous Mona Lisa was made in the span of 16 years. Some researchers suggest that his works took so long to paint due to an attention disorder.

    #19

    Yawning Beauty

    A fluffy cat yawning by a flower-adorned window, resembling a scene from a Renaissance painting.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh gosh, I need so many of these cats! I'd take this little girl in a heartbeat.

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    #21

    A Picture My Father Took Of Me When I Was 4. He Is Not A Photographer, And I Was Not Posing; According To Him I Was "Grumpy" That Day And He Liked That My Face Was Half In The Light, Half In The Shadows

    Child in soft light with curly hair, resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli also took time and patience, as it was painted in the course of 2 years. Just like Michelangelo's David and Raphael’s The School of Athens. It’s true that good things take time since the era produced some of the most beautiful artworks the world has ever seen.

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    #22

    Was Told To Cross Post My Sheep Photo Here, Enjoy!

    Sheep on a cliff with dramatic sky and ocean view, resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #24

    Snapped This Photo On My Way To Work, Cold Boi Keeping Warm

    Dog wrapped in a blanket in a car, resembling a Renaissance painting with soft lighting.

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    For those who might want to dabble in some intentional or unintentional Renaissance-inspired photography, light and composition are key to achieving this look, according to Chroma, photography, film, and art YouTube channel. Just as we previously discussed, shadows are very important here. There’s a good reason da Vinci said that “a painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.”

    #25

    Picture Of My Bestie Taken By Her Friend, Figured It Fit Here

    Person sitting by a window in dim lighting resembling a Renaissance painting, with plants and street view in the background.

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    #26

    Golden Hour Ground’s Keeper

    Ginger cat walking through an old graveyard in evening light, resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #27

    So Begins The Fall

    A cat sleeps on a pillow by the fireplace, resembling a serene scene from Renaissance paintings.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe the energy is going from the cat into the fire to heat it up.

    #28

    Snapped A Shot Of The New Puppy At The End Of The Couch

    A fluffy black dog lies on a bed, with wallpaper resembling a Renaissance painting in the background.

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    #29

    Reflection In A Mud

    Puddle reflection resembling a Renaissance painting with trees and sky.

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    #31

    What Book Would You Read?

    Open window view resembles Renaissance painting, showcasing a serene landscape with flowers, lemons, and an open book.

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    #32

    Cat Doing Security Job At Hagia Sophia

    A cat in a sunbeam on a marble floor resembles a Renaissance painting with large gridded windows in the background.

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    #34

    Thought It Would Fit The Trend

    A seascape view through a stone window resembles a Renaissance painting.

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    #37

    This Photo Of A Burned Kitchen

    Charred kitchen resembling Renaissance painting, with burnt cabinets and scattered kitchenware.

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    sbj
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even though something terrible has happened here I can't stop staring at it and taking in all the tiny details as it so could be a painting

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    #38

    Friend Snapped A Picture Of Us After The Wedding Party

    Two people sitting in a dimly lit stone courtyard, resembling a Renaissance painting scene.

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    #39

    This Picture Of Duoduo

    Cats lounging on a wooden bookshelf resembling a serene Renaissance painting.

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    #41

    Kitty From The Streets Meets Her New Sister From The Shelter

    Cat and dog on a floral bedspread, reaching paws towards each other, resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #42

    Fall Of A Rebel Angel

    Bird with wings spread resembling Renaissance paintings, surrounded by others on a wooden deck.

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    #46

    Was Told You Guys Might Like This. Flew By A Thunderstorm Last Night And Took 1,500 Photos. Here's One Of My Favorites

    Dramatic clouds and light juxtapose to resemble Renaissance paintings.

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    #47

    My Boy In The Sun

    Cat lounging on a table, resembling a pose from a Renaissance painting.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My kitten does this every now and then and I just love it! (Edit) I don't have that mug, however.

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    #48

    Lost Dog On The Side Of The Road

    Dog sitting in grass with a dramatic sunset sky, resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #49

    My Husband, Posing With Bread, While The Cat Gets Into Our Dinner In The Background

    A man holding a baguette, resembling a pose from Renaissance paintings.

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    #51

    Took This Selfie While Staying Overnight At The Hospital With My Sister

    Dimly lit face resembling a Renaissance painting with dramatic shadows.

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    Narelle Hussy
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I see a little silhouetta of a man" Queen won't stop singing wen I look at this pic lol

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    #52

    Tomatoes Catching The Light

    Close-up of sliced colorful tomatoes resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #55

    Nonna On Film

    Elderly woman in dim light by window, evoking a Renaissance painting style.

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    #56

    Cats Cuddling In A Closet

    Two cats snuggled closely, one resembling a Renaissance painting with its unique fur pattern and expression.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh dear, I am very rapidly running out of room for more cats, but I simply must have these two as well.

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    #58

    The Second Coming

    DJ illuminated by a beam of light, resembling a Renaissance painting at a crowded event.

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    #59

    My Mumma, Waiting While On A Volunteering Shift

    A woman sitting by a window, resembling a detailed scene from a Renaissance painting.

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    Antonia
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love her hands, they must have given (and still giving) so much love

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    #60

    Accidental Renaissance At Shoot?

    Man in dramatic lighting, working on wiring, resembling Renaissance painting.

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    #63

    Wedding After Party

    People around a pool table in dimly lit room, resembling a renaissance painting scene with rich detail and dramatic lighting.

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    #65

    Picture Of Me And My Great Uncle Talking

    Two people seated among empty chairs at sunset, evoking the style of Renaissance paintings.

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    #66

    Accidental Renaissance

    Boy in a blue "J'adore Napoli" shirt standing in the water, resembling a scene from a Renaissance painting.

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    #68

    I Live In La & An Unhoused Individual Left Their Teddy. Elephant In The Fog

    A blue elephant toy on a sidewalk, creating a scene reminiscent of Renaissance paintings.

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    giku T
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    unhoused-unalived...why do people feel the need to veil the words?

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    #69

    Dog Tolerating Affection

    A dog laying next to a person, evoking a Renaissance painting style.

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    #70

    My Kitty Sleeping In The Curtain

    Curtain with light filtering through, resembling Renaissance painting, with dog paws peeking below.

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    #72

    We Lost Power After Thanksgiving Dinner And Only Had A Fire And Candles To See By

    A cozy living room scene, softly lit, accidentally resembling Renaissance paintings.

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    #73

    Honey Hunters 3

    Person collecting honey, climbing a rope ladder beside honeycombs, accidentally resembling a Renaissance painting.

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

    Not really easy to make a quick getaway on a rope ladder.

    #76

    Interview With Gladys Marin, Chile, 1998 (Photo By Ximena Navarro)

    A woman surrounded by journalists with microphones, evoking a scene from a Renaissance painting.

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    #77

    Hope After The Storm

    Women carrying religious statues, resembling a Renaissance painting amid a dramatic outdoor background.

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    #78

    Rugby Player Runs Through A Sunbeam

    Rugby players in action, captured with dramatic lighting resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #79

    Lestat Getting A Touch-Up Between Takes, During Filming Of "Interview With The Vampire" (Circa 1994)

    A person being styled by a group, reminiscent of a Renaissance painting, in a historical setting with varied expressions.

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    #82

    My Girlfriend Painting

    A woman with a towel on her head gazes thoughtfully at a picture, reminiscent of a Renaissance painting.

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    #83

    Endless Duties Of A Tired Mother

    A woman folding clothes on a couch, evoking a Renaissance painting with its composition and lighting.

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    #84

    Power Went Out While Writing

    A person studying by candlelight, resembling a Renaissance painting scene, with candles illuminating the table.

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    #85

    The Battle Of Siblings

    Two cats playfully wrestling on a sunny patio, resembling figures in a Renaissance painting.

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    #86

    I Dropped An Egg On The Dog's Oui Oui Pad

    Cracked eggshell illuminated by sunlight, resembling a Renaissance painting with dramatic lighting.

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    #87

    Greatest Cricketer Coming Out To Bat

    Cricketer emerging from stairs, with crowd resembling a Renaissance painting, capturing the moment with phones.

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    #88

    Buddy Wore This To Trivia Night

    People in colorful attire at a dimly lit gathering, resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #89

    This Woman’s Mugshot Looks Like It Was Painted In The 1700’s

    Woman with Renaissance painting style appearance, looking directly, with tousled hair and a neutral expression.

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    #90

    My Roommates Changing A Lightbulb

    Three people in a room, one on a ladder, unintentionally resembling a Renaissance painting scene.

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    #91

    My New Apartment After The Dust Bag Exploded

    Sunlight beams onto a ladder in a room, creating a scene resembling a Renaissance painting.

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    #92

    Helping My Brother In Law Hang Some Curtains

    A person standing under a glowing light, resembling a Renaissance painting, with surfboards and a relaxed indoor setting.

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    #93

    Youngster In Bear Costume Participating In A Traditional Festival In Iasi, Romania

    Person in a bear costume surrounded by red fabric, reminiscent of Renaissance paintings.

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    #95

    My Wife After A Long Night

    Portrait of a woman with a cozy sweater, resembling Renaissance paintings in warm lighting.

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    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    Do you believe taking photos could be considered an art form similar to classic Renaissance paintings?

    Yes, modern photography is art

    No, traditional art requires more skill

    Both have their unique merits

    I’m not sure