Then there are the popular (and hilarious) Bayeux Tapestry-inspired memes:

Image for article titled The Middle Ages are suddenly cool again
Image for article titled The Middle Ages are suddenly cool again
Image for article titled The Middle Ages are suddenly cool again

In between the serious and facetious is the work of some artists that are working by juxtaposing a medieval aesthetic with more current iconography. Street artist Kai, one of them, portrays Hip Hop stars as medieval kings:

William Leonards Robert II
William Leonards Robert II
Image: Art by Kai
Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniells, and Jason Mizell (2010)
Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniells, and Jason Mizell (2010)
Image: Art by Kai

Graphic designer and artist Cecilia Azcarate also mixes modern and medieval in a surprising way—by pointing out uncanny similarities between contemporary and medieval design:

From the series, “Ikea beforesixteen.”
From the series, “Ikea beforesixteen.”
From the series “Emoji fun.”
From the series “Emoji fun.”
Image: Art by Cecilia Azcarate

Azcarate is interested in the similarities between hip hop and medieval aesthetics, which she explores in her Tumblr b4-16:

Left: Jan van Eyck. Ghent Altarpiece detail. c. 1432. Right: The ATL Twins.
Left: Jan van Eyck. Ghent Altarpiece detail. c. 1432. Right: The ATL Twins.
Image: Art by Cecilia Azcarate
Left: detail of Virgin and Child Enthroned with Scenes from the Life of the VirginMorata Master. Spain, 15th century. Right: Future.
Left: detail of Virgin and Child Enthroned with Scenes from the Life of the VirginMorata Master. Spain, 15th century. Right: Future.
Image: Art by Cecilia Azcarate
Left: detail of Christ Blessing surrounded by a Donor Family.Unknown German Painter 1560. Right: 2 Chainz
Left: detail of Christ Blessing surrounded by a Donor Family.Unknown German Painter 1560. Right: 2 Chainz
Image: Art by Cecilia Azcarate
Left: Reliquary arm of St. Valentine 14th century, Swiss. Right: 2 Chainz.
Left: Reliquary arm of St. Valentine 14th century, Swiss. Right: 2 Chainz.
Image: Art by Cecilia Azcarate

Indeed, the Middle Ages appear to be setting the standard for modern-day royalty:

Left: Perugia Altarpiece left panel by Fra Angelico, 1437. Right: Kanye West and Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr at Kim & Kanye’s wedding. May 24, 2014 Florence Italy.
Left: Perugia Altarpiece left panel by Fra Angelico, 1437. Right: Kanye West and Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr at Kim & Kanye’s wedding. May 24, 2014 Florence Italy.
Left: From the series “The Kardashian Crop.” Right, the actual Kardashian crop.
Left: From the series “The Kardashian Crop.” Right, the actual Kardashian crop.
Image: Images via Cecilia Azcarate and Instagram.

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