23 Dramatic Photos That Look Like Accidental Renaissance Paintings

In these images, life imitates art

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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

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Shrouded Man in Repose

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

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The Selfie

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

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"The Passion of the Slice"

The composition and lighting (not to mention those looks of ecstasy on their faces!) make this the perfect example of the meme.

04

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"13th Attempt to Break the Gaza Blockade by Sea"

The pose captured in this photojournalistic image suggests classic Renaissance paintings of war heroes.

05

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"Saint Dad, Our Father of Newborn"

Parents everywhere will recognize the exhaustion depicted in this image.

06

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"Betrayal"

The look of anguish on the husky's face is timeless.

07

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"Brokering the Candy"

Trading Halloween candy is a fairly modern activity, but this scene looks positively historic.

08

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"Signing Their Wedding License in a Bar"

All four of the people in this photo are in such dramatic poses that the scene almost looks posed.

09

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"Supper at Home"

When a casual meal at home becomes a work of art.

10

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"The Ballet"

These soccer players' synchronized movements are the epitome of grace.

11

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"Exhausted Boyfriend in the Jungle"

Michelangelo would be pulling out his paint brushes to capture this scene.

12

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"The Battle of Walmart"

This Black Friday image could easily be a massive battle scene.

13

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"War of the Melon"

The poses make the melon look like the world's most valuable treasure.

14

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"Friends Helping Newly Engaged Couple After Ring Drops Into a Pond"

This unexpected engagement shot might just be the most unique photo in their wedding album.

15

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"Victorian Mob"

This photo looks so much like a painting that we don't blame you for doing a double-take.

16

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"We'll Be Home Soon"

Classic cat ladies never go out of style.

17

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"The Modern Mona Lisa"

Mona Lisa is alive and well, everyone.

18

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"My Son and I Caught in a Storm"

This mother and child scene is Renaissance at its finest.

19

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"The Storyteller"

Renaissance painters would kill for composition like this.

20

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"Home Run Ball"

The agony and the ecstasy of the ball game.

21

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"The Fall of the Tower"

Jenga has finally earned its place on the art museum's walls.

22

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"The Sub-Aquatic Struggle"

The glory of the water polo game.

23

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"The Shredding of the Painting"

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.