Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa

An extreme example of the abuse of art reproduction. Perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces of art in the world is DaVinci's 'Mona Lisa'.The image has been reproduced in commericial products of every type from mugs, posters, clothing, comics, cartoons, purses, and live reinactments with actors.

Although this is exactly what Benjamin warned us about, it's interesting that there are approximately a dozen exact replica copies painted by DaVinci's own students. It seems the master was not worried about losing aura due to reproduction.

 

Large set Photographic reproduction

According to Benjamin's theories, regarding reproduction and the elimination of aura in art; large off set reproductions like the enormous sofa print would have cheapened the Japanese master,Hokisai's woodblock print of the 'Great Wave off Kanagawa' famous for its ukiyo - e originality and unique beauty. Thus diminishing the original's aura.

Monet's Sunflowers and Aura

Claude Monet's 'Bouquet of Sunflowers' was a departure from his usual landscape Impressionist paintings making the piece very unique and original. As foretold in Benjamin's theory we see a mass exploitation of Monet's single solitary vase in oversized modern wallpaper lacking the Aura of the original.

starry night to space exploration

Perhaps Van Goph's Starry Night might be the most reproduced art print in the world. If not its the fiorst to go to space. If Posters, wallpaper, book covers, sheets, t-shirts and bags aren't eneough NASA has adopted the image as a commercial identification. What would Benjamin think of this exploration-exploitation today?