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 his book 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, or just one very confused unicorn.
Why does Vermeer’s 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 for anyone who loves a great painting and a good laugh.
50 stories about the wacky side of great art
“With a sharp eye and a dry sense of humour, Matthijs Van Mierlo reminds us that beauty and absurdity often go hand in hand. This book offers a refreshing laugh-out-loud perspective on how we look at art.”
— James Payne, art historian and creator of Great Art Explained
Dutch edition now available for pre-order
Released October 3rd 2025
English edition now available for pre-order
Released Spring 2026
Contact The Gaze.
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For general questions and inquiries, contact info@thegaze.be
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Want to create content with The Gaze? Contact peterjan@capture.be
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The Gaze was founded in 2019 by digital creative Matthijs Van Mierlo. He shares his love for art by creating content that makes art approachable and fun for a broad audience of young art lovers.