Meme Paintings, often categorized under the broader 'Classical Art Memes' umbrella, involve taking historical artworks from the Renaissance, Baroque, or Medieval periods and adding humorous, modern captions that reinterpret the characters' expressions or situations. This trend gained massive traction on platforms like Tumblr and Reddit around 2011, evolving into a staple of internet culture by bridging the gap between high art and low-brow humor. These memes work because they humanize historical figures, making their seemingly dramatic or stiff poses feel relatable to everyday modern struggles like social anxiety, work stress, or awkward social interactions. By placing ancient figures in contemporary contexts, Meme Paintings create a surreal and comedic juxtaposition that resonates across all age groups.