Stupid Faces in Stunning Paintings: A Serious Exploration of Art History's Silliest Expressions - Hardcover

by Matthijs Van Mierlo (Author)

50 Strange Faces, 50 Great Stories

Famous paintings are celebrated for their beauty and depth, but they're also a treasure trove of ridiculous faces. From bewildered angels to screaming cats, stunning paintings are chock-full of weird expressions.

In Stupid Faces in Stunning Paintings, Matthijs Van Mierlo takes you on a journey to the strangest corners of the art world, uncovering the stories behind 50 wacky faces--stories about religion, love, vanity, and just one very confused unicorn.

Why does Vermeer's The Girl with the Wine Glass look so bug-eyed? Who let Frida Kahlo paint a disturbingly dazed toddler? And why does baby Jesus look like he's about to file your taxes? This is the art history book to answer those questions and more, perfect for anyone who loves a great painting and a good laugh.

Author Biography

Matthijs Van Mierlo is the creator and writer of The Gaze, a popular art history channel on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Through humor and sharp storytelling, his videos make art and visual culture accessible (and hilariously entertaining). He lives in Antwerp, Belgium.