The Work of Art and its Reproduction

As early as 1839, the reproduction of art works was regarded as a primary subject for photography. Far from being neglected by the pioneer photographers, it was a major stake for the most talented among them, from William Fox Talbot to Gustave Le Gray, Charles Marville and Pierre-Ambroise Richebourg. The marketing of photographic reproductions of art works from the 1850s onwards played a key role in the history of taste. A study of this genre long overlooked by historians proves to be highly rewarding.