Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Classical art pieces are known for their timelessness and enduring value. Such artworks like The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo or The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli might always be remembered, appreciated and spoken about for centuries or even millennia to come. However, some artists from the past are not always recognizable by people of today. That’s where memes come to help! Through these elements of modern culture, classical artworks can be given a contemporary and fun twist that attracts new audiences.
If you’re a long-time reader of Bored Panda, you might’ve noticed that we love classical art memes. Well, just memes in general. Their relatability, perfectly captured moods and a sense of absurdity are what keep us coming back for more!
For today, we’ve gathered the best classical art memes, as shared in this Facebook group called “Classic Art Memes Moderated”. From sad faces to weird human-supernatural creature interactions, scroll down to rediscover the joy of art! If you’re a meme lover just like we are, don’t hesitate to check out similar posts with even more of these goodies here and here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Alias-the-shade 1 year ago
Well maybe if your testicles were on your chest near your face we would have a lot more emphasis on them( note that this is comedic satire please do not send me to downvote hell I’ve been there once before it was not fun)
RELATED:
To learn more about memes and their influence on our communication, we reached out to Dr. Idil Galip, a Lecturer in New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on the production of internet memes and the people who make them. She also runs the Meme Studies Research Network and enjoys writing and making memes herself! “Most of my memes are gripes about what I think is wrong with the world and myself, it's free therapy.” Scroll down for the whole interview!
Memes have become a common sight in today's online culture. From humorous one-liners to relatable situations, it's hard to scroll through social media without coming across at least one of these cultural phenomenons. But what is it about memes that makes them so well-liked? According to Idil, internet memes are very popular mostly because they are cheap and easy to make and distribute. “You can also put together a meme in a relatively short amount of time. Moreover, the ugliness, or even incompletion, of a quickly made meme is often celebrated for its humor and irreverence.”
The internet has undeniably changed the way we communicate and share information and memes have been playing a big role in this digital landscape. However, the concept of a "meme" is not unique to the internet era. Idil shared that while internet memes are obviously linked to the internet and digital culture, they have existed for as long as culture has existed. “If we are to take on Richard Dawkins's definition of the 'meme', then they are simply units of culture that are shared between people. This definition makes the history of memes much more expansive and far-reaching. Limor Shifman, who is a key figure in meme research, explains that internet memes are postmodern folklore. So, we could say that memes are inherent within folklore generally.”
While the popularity of memes shows no signs of slowing down, it might be interesting to know what elements are necessary for something to be considered a meme. Idil explained that if we look at academic research about the matter, the main elements of a meme are content, form and stance. “Although ultimately, a meme becomes a meme once it is shared with others. The logic of circulation, or sharing, is part and parcel of memes.”
While a lot of memes are created purely for entertainment, others can be used for communication and social commentary. According to Idil, memes play a variety of roles in today's culture. “They are fulfilling social, political, cultural and even economic functions. Something that surprises people is the fact that sharing a meme with a friend can be an act of friendship! I recently saw a tweet that described the TikToks that friends send each other as 'friend homework,' for example. Another significant role they play is that they facilitate the construction of identity, and community belonging. We can tell stories about who we are and extend narratives about ourselves and our worlds by making, sharing and engaging with internet memes. They're also a good way to kill time.”
#20
#21
Dizavid 1 year ago
I've heard this joke so many times and only this time have I realized... there's a *point* to be made here: think how very many white or light colored pants militaries have had in history. Now think how the body can evacuate its bladder or bowels from fear and yeah maybe they should've all been wearing dark pants.
Greta Kolding 1 year ago
All the aristocrats were in the navy. Their uniforms were blue for the same reason.
Riley Quinn 1 year ago
What began as a cheap available color wool after the English Civil War continued on despite it being unwise for battle. People at the top making stupid decisions that don't really affect them in drastic, horrible ways.
Jill Bussey 1 year ago
But the red colour made them stand out on the battlefield and made them easier to target,
Lorraine R 1 year ago
In the 18th century the French soldiers wore blue coats with white shoulder belts that crossed right over the heart.
Load More Replies...
Seth Naffziger 1 year ago
common misconception, the coats were actually red because the dye was cheapest 😅
Lucia Caramia (she/her) 1 year ago
But you are not trying to blend in with the forest. I see many problems with this plan.
dragonic_meg 1 year ago
My uncle once said: "If you're going into a battle you can win easily, wear white pants. If you're going into a battle where the odds are evenly matched, wear red pants. And, if you're going into a battle where the odds greatly stacked against you, wear brown pants."
#23
#25
Brittany Howard 1 year ago (edited)
You can always spot a Hieronymus Bosch painting right away. 😳
#32
Discarded lithium batteries 1 year ago
Why is Thomas the train in sleep paralysis demon form on top of the bed?
#38
Kristie French 1 year ago
Most of these artworks I’ve seen previously, but not this one. It’s very beautiful. Anyone know what it is, name, artist?
#41
Alias-the-shade 1 year ago
Well you didn’t have a conscious yet that’s suffers from existential crisis
#49
Kenny Kulbiski 1 year ago
Well, that's nice, but I came over to tell you that you left your phone on the bar.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Blackheart 1 year ago (edited)
Hello. My name is Blackheart. I am an art teacher and I have an addiction to classic art memes.
The Darkest Timeline 1 year ago
Definitely worse things to be addicted to
Load More Replies...
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
They got rid of all the censor bars on this post! I’m shocked! A bare breast or bum on BoredPanda!? Maybe they are learning just how ridiculous and dangerous censorship is.
Load More Replies... Carlos Vargas 2 months ago
Most of these aren’t memes. This is just one hurt girl who has nobody to vent out with (justifiable).
Blackheart 1 year ago (edited)
Hello. My name is Blackheart. I am an art teacher and I have an addiction to classic art memes.
The Darkest Timeline 1 year ago
Definitely worse things to be addicted to
Load More Replies... LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
They got rid of all the censor bars on this post! I’m shocked! A bare breast or bum on BoredPanda!? Maybe they are learning just how ridiculous and dangerous censorship is.
Load More Replies... Carlos Vargas 2 months ago
Most of these aren’t memes. This is just one hurt girl who has nobody to vent out with (justifiable).
You May Like 50 Funny Random Memes You Might Wish You Had Friends To Send To (New Pics) 1.7M People Are Crying Laughing At The Memes From This Page, So Here Are The 49 Best 50 of the Best Memes of All Time That Are Icons of Internet Culture
Greta Jaruševičiūtė
Shelly Fourer
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Related on Bored Panda
