Have you ever looked at the stars, wondering if we are alone in the universe? This question, which transcends time and cultures, has found an echo in the most human expression of all: art. From the dawn of civilization to the era of space exploration, artists of all times have expressed their fascination, fear and curiosity about the extraterrestrial in their works.
On this journey through art history, we will explore ten paintings that, in obvious 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 the unwavering human curiosity for what lies beyond the confines of our knowledge.
Join KUADROS on this fascinating journey through extraterrestrial-inspired art, 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 shows the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus and Saint John the Baptist as a child. What stands out is the presence of an unidentified flying object in the background, over María'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" – Decani Monastery (1350)
This 14th-century painting, located in the Visoki Decani Monastery in Kosovo, shows two scenes of the crucifixion of Jesus. What is notable are the figures in each upper corner, which appear to represent flying objects, with people inside them, which has led to interpretations of ancient extraterrestrial visitations.
3. "The Creation of Adam" – Michelangelo (1512)
Adan creation . Michelangelo captured the essence of divine creation in this iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling fresco. What is fascinating is the interpretation of the envelope around God, reminiscent of 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 painting, rich in details, symbolizes the abundance of summer. Among its numerous peasant figures and activities, some interpret certain elements as symbolic of extraterrestrial technologies or beings, hidden in plain sight as a codified art form.
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 about extraterrestrial interpretations, seeing the miracle as a possible manifestation of unexplained phenomena.
6. "Star of Bethlehem" – Various artists (Various centuries)
Different paintings that represent the Star of Bethlehem, the Three Wise Men's guide to the birth of Jesus, have been the subject of analysis and speculation. Some see this star as an astronomical phenomenon that could have extraterrestrial explanations, such as the presence of a UFO or a spacecraft, rather than a celestial miracle.
7. "Visions of the Future" – NASA Series (21st Century)
This series of images, created by artists under the commission of NASA, offers futuristic and optimistic visions of humanity exploring and inhabiting space. Depictions include encounters with extraterrestrial life forms and advanced technologies, symbolizing hope in interplanetary discovery and collaboration.
8. "Landscapes from Another World" – Roberto Matta (1940s)
Matta, a surrealist artist, is known for his thought-provoking works filled with abstract shapes and dreamscapes that seem to suggest extraterrestrial dimensions and unknown life forms. His paintings are windows to imaginary worlds where the familiar meets the deeply alien.
9. Book of Bonnes Meurs - Jacques Legrand (1338)
Another controversial painting from Antiquity is Le Livre Des Bonnes Moeurs, painted in 1338 by the renowned French painter Jacques Legrand. It shows Nobles with what appears to be a large globe-shaped object. Resembling the iconic ''Death Star'' of Star Wars film fame, the Globe's detail is unusual. Many art historians cite that it is the image of an "early" balloon flight. Unfortunately, balloons and the technology to make them did NOT exist in 1338! Without any religious symbolism to identify exactly WHAT Legrand was conveying, could his interpretation be of an early "contact" by extraterrestrial life in 14th century France?
10. The Annunciation with Saint Emidius - Carlo Crivelli (1486)
Crivelli's detailed work, The Annunciation with Saint Emidius , offers his artistic interpretation of the annunciation, the archangel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she will soon give birth to the messiah. Except Maria appears to be receiving an announcement from an alien 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 film "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, in which the beautiful intertwines with the grotesque, evoking a fascinating mix of terror and admiration.
Conclusion
Through this tour of ten emblematic works of art, we have traveled from ancestral curiosity about the heavens 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 simple representation, these works are a mirror of our hopes, fears and dreams about what could exist beyond the stars.
These paintings remind us that art is not only an expression of visible reality, but also of the countless possibilities that lie in the confines of our imagination. Ultimately, the search for the extraterrestrial in art is a reflection of our own search for meaning, a reminder that, in the vastness of the universe, the exploration of the unknown is also a journey within ourselves. May these paintings inspire not only an appreciation for the beauty and mystery that surrounds us, but also a reflection on our place in the vast tapestry of the cosmos.
