Medieval Memes? The Surprisingly Funny Side of Ancient Art

When we think of medieval art, we imagine solemn saints, dramatic biblical scenes, and lavish illuminated manuscripts—all serious, pious, and steeped in symbolism. But hidden in the margins of prayer books, carved into choir stalls, and sketched in the corners of maps lies a secret: the Middle Ages were hilariously weird.

Forget TikTok. Centuries before the internet, medieval artists were already mastering the art of the meme: inside jokes, savage satire, and bizarre doodles that reveal a surprisingly relatable, playful, and often cheeky human spirit.

1. The “Marginalia” – Medieval Shitposting in Sacred Books

The most surprising place to find medieval humor? In the margins of prayer books and Bibles, known as marginalia.

Here, alongside solemn Latin text, monks and illustrators drew the following:

- Knights fighting snails (a shockingly common motif, possibly symbolizing the struggle against the inevitable or just poking fun at armored warriors).

- Monkeys in human clothing acting out scenes of folly.

- Bunnies wielding axes and hunting dogs (the ultimate role reversal).

- Grotesque hybrid creatures with faces on their rear ends.

Why? Some theories suggest it was a form of creative relief during long, tedious copying sessions. Others think it was a moral satire—showing worldly foolishness creeping into sacred space. Or maybe… they were just bored and funny.

2. The “Babewyns”—When Church Gargoyles Got Goofy

Look up in a Gothic cathedral past the soaring arches, and you’ll find gargoyles and grotesques. Among the frightening demons, you’ll spot:

- Stone figures pulling silly faces.

- A man showing his bare bottom to the town.

- Animals playing musical instruments.

These are “babewyns” (from the Italian babuino, meaning “baboon,” slang for a foolish idea). They served as architectural dripstones but also as a public commentary—reminding the pious that sin and silliness were always lurking, even at the heights of devotion.

3. The “Drolleries”—The Original Reaction Images

In lavish Books of Hours (personal prayer books for the wealthy), artists included small, humorous scenes called drolleries.

- A fox in a monk’s robe preaching to a flock of chickens.

- A woman beating a devil with her distaff (a tool for spinning wool).

- Cats and mice having a full-on battle, complete with tiny armor.

These weren’t just random; they were visual jokes and social satire. A fox preaching was a dig at corrupt clergy. The woman beating the devil? A celebration of feminine virtue (with a side of slapstick).

4. The “World Upside-Down” Trope – Medieval Absurdist Humor

Medieval artists loved depicting a “world turned upside-down” (mundus inversus), where social norms were hilariously reversed:

- Fish riding horses.

- The hare roasting the hunter.

- Peasants ruling over kings.

This wasn’t just nonsense—it was subversive humor. It mocked authority, questioned the social order, and gave voice to a collective “what if?” It was the medieval equivalent of a viral meme flipping a famous scene on its head.

5. The “Green Man” & Hidden Faces – The Original “Spot the Secret” Game

Ever looked at foliage in medieval carvings and suddenly seen a face peeking out? That’s the Green Man, a pagan-esque symbol of rebirth, often hidden in church decor. But artists went further:

- Hiding silly or grotesque faces in architectural details.

- Carving “self-portraits” as mischievous imps high up on columns where only fellow builders would see.

This was the medieval version of an Easter egg—a hidden joke for the observant.

Why Did They Do This? The Human Need to LOL

In an age of plague, war, and hard labor, why spend precious time drawing a snail fighting a knight?

1. Relief & Rebellion: A mental break from rigid piety and social hierarchy.

2. Satire & Social Commentary: A safe way to critique powerful institutions (like the Church or nobility) under the guise of “silly doodles.”

3. The Universal Language of Funny: Humans have always used humor to cope, connect, and make sense of a chaotic world.

Conclusion: The Medieval Meme-Farm is Alive

Next time you scroll past a viral meme of a cat in a historical painting, remember: medieval artists were the original meme lords. They understood the power of a visual joke, the subversion of expectations, and the joy of hiding something hilarious in a serious place.

Their work reminds me that people in the past weren’t just solemn figures in tapestries—they were bored monks, witty craftspeople, and satirical geniuses who left a legacy of laughter in stone and ink.

Found any funny medieval art online? Share your favorite “historical meme” in the comments!