Visit the vast courts at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and prepare to be dazzled by a range of magnificent sculptures, from Norwegian carvings to Florentine gates and even David by Michelangelo. They are spectacular and imposing, a grand tour of European monuments. But are they “real”? No, they are all reproductions or copies.
Today it is possible to produce versions of artworks that are almost exact duplicates of the originals. Does it matter that they are not the originals? Maybe it does it terms of historical authenticity or value, but as far as the pleasure that is given to the viewer, perhaps the difference is minimal.
In the modern era, reproduction had become in some ways synonymous with vulgarity, and yet while many of us may admire a Picasso, a Monet or a Klimt, very few of us will ever actually be able to own a “real” one. But that should not mean we must endure art deprived lives.
The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is a timeless masterpiece of portraiture. Does copying the Mona Lisa and putting her on posters, notepads or tea towels diminish da Vinci’s artistic achievement? Many would argue that it does not, and in many ways the popularity of the image adds to the original’s power and mystique. Plus it is democratic – a reproduced image is one that many can enjoy.
Fine art Giclee printing is a method for producing high quality prints via a digital process. These types of prints feature high quality paper and inks for superior finish and stability. A print of this type can be colour matched with the original. This guide from The Telegraph has some pointers on buying fine art prints.
If you want to find out more about fine art Giclee printing it would be a good idea to consult experts such as http://www.river-studio.com/fine-art-printing/fine-art-giclee-printing.php, who can give you an idea of what is possible.
Some may argue that the authentic element of the artistic experience is to be present and appreciate it. The Victorians were enthusiastic copiers of great artworks, thinking their reproductions brought great art to those who wouldn’t otherwise ever get to see it. Ironically enough, some of those Victorian versions have aged into precious artworks in their own right.