Historical generals pointing out the toilets: a short thread. pic.twitter.com/WYzsnRlszj
— Jonathan Healey (@SocialHistoryOx) January 5, 2018
The field of art history is seen as a serious pursuit—as it should be—but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with it. Museum goers have already found clever ways to do this by creating funny museum Snapchats of paintings hanging on the wall.
Even academics are making light of works from long ago by completely reinterpreting what they mean. Oxford historian Jonathan Healey recently started a meme of his own on Twitter by reimagining a very popular stance seen in military portraiture. In many paintings, commanders are pictured pointing off in the distance, presumably towards their target. In Healey’s retelling, these figures are gesturing to something much more important—the nearest bathroom.
When framed in Healey’s silly point of view, the pictures of these esteemed historical figures will make you giggle like a little kid. Generals, admirals, and commanders like Napoleon and Sir Charles Saunders are no longer leading their troops towards great victory, but instead, they're scoping out the location of the loo. And considering there are now entire apps dedicated to finding a clean and convenient bathroom, we can’t blame them for this search.
Healey isn’t the only one who participated in one of the latest funny art history memes. Once he began tweeting about it, others joined in. See some of our favorites, below.
Jonathan Healey created one of the latest funny art history memes that reimagines portraits of military commanders.
Frederick the Great suggests that you go behind that bush over there. pic.twitter.com/DzuZvqjdHy
— Jonathan Healey (@SocialHistoryOx) January 5, 2018
While we'd assume that many of these men are gesturing towards their target, Healey has another idea…
Leclerc is cross, and thinks you should have gone before the battle started. pic.twitter.com/5ZhgmlSbjq
— Jonathan Healey (@SocialHistoryOx) January 5, 2018
… they are pointed towards the bathroom.
Keppel is concerned that the toilets are quite some distance away and you look like you might be desperate. pic.twitter.com/Zbq4ShF3up
— Jonathan Healey (@SocialHistoryOx) January 5, 2018
Other people got in on the childish fun, too…
Napoleon pointing out les toilettes. pic.twitter.com/nQZneok2Xd
— Zekey's Mom (@Zekeys_Mom) January 6, 2018
… proving that while art history is a serious pursuit, it can be silly, too.
Kleber is suspicious that you might actually need a poo, and wants you to go a long way away from him. pic.twitter.com/FYX85nKsOe
— Jonathan Healey (@SocialHistoryOx) January 5, 2018
