The Work of Art and its Reproduction

Exhibits a selection of photographs from the collection of the Musee d'Orsay, bringing together images of paintings, sculpture and objects d'art.

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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.