The image presented is a humorous meme consisting of a medieval illustration paired with a modern caption. The caption reads, "When the violin solo is so lit you turn into a bagel." Visually, the image contains two characters; one appears to be playing an instrument resembling a violin, while the other figure, to the right, is humorously contorted in such a way that their body resembles the shape of a bagel.
The illustration seems to be taken from a medieval manuscript, given the style of art commonly used during that era, characterized by a lack of perspective and the flat appearance of figures, with solid colors and relatively simplistic design. The left character is dressed in a long orange tunic and stands upright while playing the instrument, and the posture suggests a typical portrayal of a musician from this period.
The character on the right offers a stark contrast by being depicted in an exaggerated and physically impossible looped position that gives them the appearance of a bagel, due to a circular form with a hole in the middle. The dissonance between the normal depiction of the violin player and the cartoon-like distortion of the second figure is the centerpiece of the humor.
The humor in the image is multifaceted. First, there is the anachronistic combination of modern slang with historical art, where a term like "lit," which is a contemporary expression for something that's exciting or excellent, is applied to a classical and otherwise serious scene of violin performance. This juxtaposition of old and new is often comical due to the clash of contexts.
Secondly, the phrase "you turn into a bagel" is a whimsical exaggeration, implying that the music is so powerful and emotionally charged that it induces a radical and humorous transformation in the listener. The literal visual interpretation of this hyperbolic statement adds to the absurdity and thus the humor.
Lastly, the amusement can also stem from the relatability for anyone who has experienced music so entrancing or moving that it feels transformative. The depiction exaggerates this universal feeling to a comical degree, using the bizarre transformation as a metaphor for being deeply moved by the music. The meme, therefore, playfully celebrates the transcendent power of music with a touch of surreal and anachronistic humor. When the violin solo is so lit you turn into a bagel