Have you ever looked at the stars, wondering if we are alone in the universe? This question, which transcends time and cultures, has found resonance in the most human expression of all: art. From the dawn of civilization to the era of space exploration, artists of all times have captured their fascination, fear, and curiosity about the extraterrestrial in their works.
On this journey through the history of art, we will explore ten paintings that, in evident or subtle ways, invite us to contemplate the possibility of the existence of other worlds and beings. From mysterious figures in ancient frescoes to futuristic visions born from the pens of contemporary artists, these works are a testament to humanity's unwavering curiosity about what resides beyond the boundaries of our knowledge.
Join KUADROS on this fascinating journey through art inspired by the extraterrestrial, where each brushstroke brings us a little closer to the answers to the eternal questions about our existence and our place in the cosmos.
1. "The Madonna with San Giovannino" – School of Filippo Lippi (15th Century)
The Madonna with Saint John the Baptist is also known as "Our Lady of the Flying Saucer" and the Madonna with Saint George. This intriguing work depicts the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus and Saint John the Baptist as a child. What stands out is the presence of an unidentified flying object in the background, over Mary's right shoulder. A man appears to be observing it, shielding his eyes from the sun with his hand, suggesting that the object is in the sky, far away and possibly moving.
2. "The Crucifixion" – Monastery of Decani (1350)
In this 14th-century painting, located in the Visoki Decani Monastery in Kosovo, two scenes of the crucifixion of Jesus are depicted. Noteworthy are the figures in each upper corner, which seem to represent flying objects, with people inside them, leading to interpretations of ancient extraterrestrial visits.
3. "The Creation of Adam" – Michelangelo (1512)
The Creation of Adam. Michelangelo captured the essence of divine creation in this iconic fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. What is fascinating is the interpretation of the wrapping around God, which resembles a brain or even a spaceship, suggesting a more universal or extraterrestrial connection in the creation of man.
4. "The Triumph of Death" – Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1563)
The Triumph of Death by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. This richly detailed painting symbolizes the abundance of summer. Among its numerous figures and peasant activities, some interpret certain elements as symbolic of technologies or extraterrestrial beings, hidden in plain sight as a form of coded art.
5. "The Miracle of Snow" – Masolino da Panicale (15th Century)
The Miracle of Snow, also known as the Foundation of Santa Maria Maggiore. The work depicts the legendary miraculous snowfall that occurred in Rome during the summer, an event that led to the founding of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The depiction of snow falling from a clear sky has led some to speculate on extraterrestrial interpretations, viewing the miracle as a possible manifestation of unexplainable phenomena.
6. "Star of Bethlehem" – Various Artists (Various Centuries)
Different paintings representing the Star of Bethlehem, the guide of the Magi to the birth of Jesus, have been the subject of analysis and speculation. Some see in this star an astronomical phenomenon that could have extraterrestrial explanations, such as the presence of a UFO or a spaceship, rather than a celestial miracle.
7. "Visions of the Future" – NASA Series (21st Century)
This series of images, created by artists under NASA's commission, offers futuristic and optimistic visions of humanity exploring and inhabiting space. The representations include encounters with extraterrestrial life forms and advanced technologies, symbolizing hope in discovery and interplanetary collaboration.
8. "Landscapes of Another World" – Roberto Matta (1940s)
Matta, a surrealist artist, is known for his thought-provoking works, filled with abstract forms and dreamlike landscapes that seem to suggest extraterrestrial dimensions and unknown forms of life. His paintings are windows to imaginary worlds where the familiar meets the profoundly alien.
9. Livre des Bonnes Meurs - Jacques Legrand (1338)
Another controversial painting from antiquity is Le Livre Des Bonnes Moeurs, painted in 1338 by renowned French painter Jacques Legrand. It depicts nobles with what appears to be a large, balloon-shaped object. Similar to the iconic "Death Star" from the cinematic fame of Star Wars, the detail of the balloon is unusual. Many art historians cite this as the image of an "early" balloon flight. Unfortunately, balloons and the technology to create them did NOT exist in 1338! Without any religious symbolism to precisely identify what Legrand was conveying, could this be his interpretation of an early "contact" with extraterrestrial life in 14th-century France?
10. The Annunciation with Saint Emidius - Carlo Crivelli (1486)
The detailed work of Crivelli, The Annunciation with Saint Emidius, offers his artistic interpretation of the Annunciation, the announcement of the archangel Gabriel to Mary that she will soon give birth to the Messiah. Except that Mary seems to be receiving the announcement from an extraterrestrial vehicle, whose message descends like a laser to reach her.
Special Mention – HR Giger (20th Century)
Giger, famous for his design of the alien in the movie "Alien," explored themes of the unknown and the ominous through his art. His art could be seen as a visual representation of human interaction with extraterrestrial life forms, where beauty interlaces with the grotesque, evoking a fascinating blend of terror and admiration.
Conclusion
Through this journey through ten emblematic works of art, we have traveled from ancient curiosity about the skies to modern speculation about life on other planets. Each painting, with its own story and mystery, reflects humanity's eternal fascination with the unknown and the extraterrestrial. Beyond mere representation, these works serve as a mirror to our hopes, fears, and dreams about what might exist beyond the stars.
These paintings remind us that art is not only an expression of the visible reality but also of the countless possibilities that lie at the edges of our imagination. Ultimately, the search for the extraterrestrial in art is a reflection of our own quest for meaning, a reminder that, in the vastness of the universe, the exploration of the unknown is also a journey inward. May these paintings inspire not only an appreciation for the beauty and mystery that surrounds us but also reflection on our place in the vast tapestry of the cosmos.
