Humor Web Humor 23 Dramatic Photos That Look Like Accidental Renaissance Paintings In these images, life imitates art Share PINTEREST Email Print Via Reddit Humor Memes Holiday Humor By Beverly Jenkins Beverly Jenkins Beverly Jenkins is a humor and pop culture writer. She has published three web humor books and six calendars, including You Had One Job! and Photobombed. Learn about our Editorial Process Published on 12/20/18 Renaissance artwork is instantly recognizable for characteristics like dramatic composition and a striking contrast between light and dark. Sometimes, these elements unexpectedly pop up in modern-day images. Reddit users have created a subreddit called Accidental Renaissance to share these striking photos. Here are some of the best examples of accidental Renaissance paintings. 01 of 23 Shrouded Man in Repose Via Reddit According to the Redditor who shared this photo: "Friend took this photo of me napping the other day, was told I should post it here." 02 of 23 The Selfie Via Reddit If it weren't for the woman holding the cell phone, we would say with absolute certainty that this image really came from the Renaissance period. 03 of 23 "The Passion of the Slice" Via Reddit The composition and lighting (not to mention those looks of ecstasy on their faces!) make this the perfect example of the meme. 04 of 23 "13th Attempt to Break the Gaza Blockade by Sea" Via Reddit The pose captured in this photojournalistic image suggests classic Renaissance paintings of war heroes. 05 of 23 "Saint Dad, Our Father of Newborn" Via Reddit Parents everywhere will recognize the exhaustion depicted in this image. 06 of 23 "Betrayal" Via Reddit The look of anguish on the husky's face is timeless. 07 of 23 "Brokering the Candy" Via Imgur Trading Halloween candy is a fairly modern activity, but this scene looks positively historic. 08 of 23 "Signing Their Wedding License in a Bar" Via Reddit All four of the people in this photo are in such dramatic poses that the scene almost looks posed. 09 of 23 "Supper at Home" Via Reddit When a casual meal at home becomes a work of art. 10 of 23 "The Ballet" Via Reddit These soccer players' synchronized movements are the epitome of grace. 11 of 23 "Exhausted Boyfriend in the Jungle" Via Reddit Michelangelo would be pulling out his paint brushes to capture this scene. 12 of 23 "The Battle of Walmart" Via Reddit This Black Friday image could easily be a massive battle scene. 13 of 23 "War of the Melon" Via Reddit The poses make the melon look like the world's most valuable treasure. 14 of 23 "Friends Helping Newly Engaged Couple After Ring Drops Into a Pond" Via Reddit This unexpected engagement shot might just be the most unique photo in their wedding album. 15 of 23 "Victorian Mob" Via Reddit This photo looks so much like a painting that we don't blame you for doing a double-take. 16 of 23 "We'll Be Home Soon" Via Reddit Classic cat ladies never go out of style. 17 of 23 "The Modern Mona Lisa" Via Reddit Mona Lisa is alive and well, everyone. 18 of 23 "My Son and I Caught in a Storm" Via Reddit This mother and child scene is Renaissance at its finest. 19 of 23 "The Storyteller" Via Reddit Renaissance painters would kill for composition like this. 20 of 23 "Home Run Ball" Via Reddit The agony and the ecstasy of the ball game. 21 of 23 "The Fall of the Tower" Via Reddit Jenga has finally earned its place on the art museum's walls. 22 of 23 "The Sub-Aquatic Struggle" Via Reddit The glory of the water polo game. 23 of 23 "The Shredding of the Painting" Via Reddit In this compelling scene, art auction-goers witness a Banksy painting being shredded—right after it was auctioned off for millions of dollars. Their expressions are timeless. Featured Video