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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

RayTracingOn Report

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Tony James
Community Member
2 years 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

R. Pauly
Community Member
2 years 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.

Bianka Mi-Young
Community Member
2 years 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.

Jacqueline Pie Francis
Community Member
Premium
2 years 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
2 years 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.

N G
Community Member
2 years 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.

O.M.Miki
Community Member
2 years 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.

Analyn Lahr
Community Member
2 years 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.

Onion Cutting Ninja
Community Member
2 years 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.

Alicia Kessinger Bader
Community Member
2 years 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.

Jameson Lechner
Community Member
2 years 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.

Nathalie Jones
Community Member
2 years 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? 🤔

Tony Barron
Community Member
2 years 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.

Bobbie Meyers
Community Member
2 years 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!

Newsies forever!!
Community Member
2 years 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.

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??

Shea Keenan
Community Member
2 years 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!!

Jef Bateman
Community Member
2 years 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.

Everything is fascinating.
Community Member
2 years 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
2 years 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.

Ilvana Babic
Community Member
2 years 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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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.

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#5

Every Got' Dang Time!

Every Got' Dang Time!

Hybrid-Moment Report

#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

MyNameGifOreilly Report

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.

"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.

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#13

Answering The Big Questions

Answering The Big Questions

insolent_swine Report

#15

Happens Every Time

Happens Every Time

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Stardust she/her
Community Member
2 years 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.

#17

Who?!

Who?!

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Vorknkx
Community Member
2 years 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

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"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

MyNameGifOreilly Report

#21

Alternative Scenarios

Alternative Scenarios

insolent_swine Report

"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."

#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
2 years 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

esberat Report

#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
2 years 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

benuchi Report

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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

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#43

We All Been There

We All Been There

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#46

And For The Record I Totally Get It

And For The Record I Totally Get It

42words Report

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

Either from joy of finally having a kid or the sadness of having an abusive spouse or grief that it was an accident and you can’t have abortion?

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#47

Let Me Live In Comfort

Let Me Live In Comfort

TheWickedGlitch Report

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Who Panda 420
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Relatable. Sometimes my fibromyalgia makes my skin very sensitive and just the weight of my clothes on it can hurt. Plus anything tight makes me feel claustrophobic. If I didn't have such issues with my body I probably be a nudist LOL just for the sheer comfort value.

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#48

Yo Nathaniel Drop That Sick Beat Real Quick

Yo Nathaniel Drop That Sick Beat Real Quick

MyNameGifOreilly Report

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Who Panda 420
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be so cool if this was true. It would make history so much more interesting. I think the drummers actual job was to keep up morale and to give a beat for the soldiers to March to. But I like OPs take better.

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#51

Post It To Reddit

Post It To Reddit

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#52

Destroy My Tablet!

Destroy My Tablet!

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s all gonna be in a museum one day too, isn’t it? S**t.

#53

That Was Fast

That Was Fast

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Kit Kat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These captions are the highlight of a horrible Monday. Bravo Sir or Madam!

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#54

Understanding History

Understanding History

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#55

Is It Too Late To Change My Mind

Is It Too Late To Change My Mind

MyNameGifOreilly Report

#58

Me Irl

Me Irl

killHACKS Report

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

Pretty much everyone during these Summer Holidays. I seem to be the only one holding the group together and reminding them that the group exists

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#59

Job Hunting?

Job Hunting?

jaybutts Report

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

Exactly what my father is like. If I couldn’t do something for a reason he would dismiss it as “an excuse for not working hard”.

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#60

It's A Tight Fit

It's A Tight Fit

PaleBlueMeanie Report

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PeachyPenguin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

KENNETH! PUT.YOUR.PANTS.ON. And let those children out of you! NO THE OTHER WAY KENNETH.... ALL THE CHILDREN.

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#61

Ol' Musky

Ol' Musky

Aztery Report

#62

Kitty Is Fed Up With Your S**t

Kitty Is Fed Up With Your S**t

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#64

It’s Thursday, Bill

It’s Thursday, Bill

MyNameGifOreilly Report

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Lucky2BAlive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A wild and ca-razzzy guy (come on, someone has to remember Steve Martins early days)

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#69

Get Married, They Said ... Have A Kid, They Said...

Get Married, They Said ... Have A Kid, They Said...

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#70

Living In The Past

Living In The Past

killHACKS Report

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

We were, and always be the same. We never solved any issues and all problems stayed the same or got replaces

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#73

When You've Had Too Much Shoujo.

When You've Had Too Much Shoujo.

killHACKS Report

#75

Robert Stack Would Approve

Robert Stack Would Approve

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#79

"Sorry, We're Going To Have To Cancel Tonight. Hope You Haven't Gone To Any Trouble"

"Sorry, We're Going To Have To Cancel Tonight. Hope You Haven't Gone To Any Trouble"

nick9000 Report

#80

I Blame Covid

I Blame Covid

VegPotato Report

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

These days if I sit down the act alone makes my stomach hurt from tiredness. I don’t know if it is anything to worry about

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#82

Pain

Pain

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

Sometimes because of issues in time between me and my friend who live on 2 sides of the globe

#83

Really Makes You Think!

Really Makes You Think!

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

Also, everyone who inhaled too much dihydrogen monoxide died. Makes you wonder why they haven’t put any labels warning you sbout it

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#86

Geez Judas Lay Off Man

Geez Judas Lay Off Man

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

Judas and jesus? I see a story in each panel yet I feel like if I say it I may get downvoted

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#88

C’mon Bro….you Know What I Mean??

C’mon Bro….you Know What I Mean??

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Seabeast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"You've ordered nothing but tap water all night? How are your friends so drunk?"

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#90

Portrait Poses

Portrait Poses

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#93

I Wanna Request The

I Wanna Request The

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Lucky2BAlive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your table isn’t ready yet, would you like to wait at the bar?

#95

Won't Interfere.. Can't Interfere

Won't Interfere.. Can't Interfere

KLASHINOV Report

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

That is how I try making friends. I just don’t have the courage to go talk to them

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#97

“We Had Work Drinks. I Couldn’t Get Out Of It Babe”

“We Had Work Drinks. I Couldn’t Get Out Of It Babe”

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#98

I Will Go Over Here Now

I Will Go Over Here Now

shallowblue Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah, just find the host’s dog or cat and spend the entire evening playing with your new pupper or kitter pal.

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#102

Seemed To Not Know

Seemed To Not Know

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Agent 8433599
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Ahem, let me just look at this . . . decisions, decisions . . ."

#104

True Dat

True Dat

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#107

Just Get Over It Gary

Just Get Over It Gary

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#108

Simple Requests

Simple Requests

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Lucky2BAlive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(Head banging in to headboard) Are you having an orgasm? No an aneurysm!

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#109

What Cut Do You Want

What Cut Do You Want

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#111

This Is A Whole Mood

This Is A Whole Mood

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Piano teacher contemplating on where her pianist career went.

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#114

Too Late

Too Late

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