“Birds of Prey”

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

While I prefer the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the DCEU (DC Extended Universe), I finally got around to watching 2019’s “Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn.” Besides being the most enjoyable film of the DC franchise thus far, I was pleasantly surprised by a couple of art historical references.

For starters, the movie poster is clearly inspired by Botticelli’s painting “The Birth of Venus” with the film’s “protagonist,” Harley Quinn, positioned on the half-shell and flanked by her squad. Clues to the events that unfold throughout the film are peppered into the image making it a fun and raucous take on the Italian Renaissance masterpiece.

The second art historical reference came in the form of a surprising depiction of an assassin chasing Harley Quinn. I’ll include a screen shot from this scene *with a warning on the use of harsh language* and see if you can guess the artist being referenced.

It is so cool to see these art history-pop culture mash-ups the same week I broadcast a video titled “Art History in Pop Culture” for the Orlando Fringe!

Leave a comment

The Wandering Art Historian's avatar
I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.