TheWork of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

In reference to the article, Walter Benjamin explains fully how the work of art is diminished by the tools of mechanical reproduction. Walter explained that the authenticity of art depends on the originality. And mechanically reproducing art is said to be forgery since it lacks originality. He said the work of art has always been reproducible, artifacts could be imitated by men. Therefore one of the differences between man made artifacts and mechanical reproduction is man made artifacts is considered ancient while mechanical reproduction is known to be new. Founding and stamping were two ways the work of art are being reproduced. For instance, shiny metals such as Bronze, terra cottas, and coins were easily reproduced in quantity. However, other work of art could not be mechanically reproduced. During the middle ages engraving and etching was another source of mechanical reproduction. In the nineteenth century, Lithography led to the new age/stage of reproduction. This is when art designs are traced on stones rather than on wood. According to Walter Benjamin, Lithography enabled graphic art to illustrate everyday life, it began to keep up with printing. However, photography surpassed lithography in reproduction due to its fast capture of image. Being able to adjust images to a certain angle after capture signifies how authentic work of art could be fabricated.
Walter Benjamin argues that “The mechanic reproduction of art changes the reaction of the masses towards art.” In photography, images could be fabricated by the use of studio tools. This shows that in photography the work of art lacks its authenticity. With the use of mechanical reproduction, our experience on the work of art is expanded by using these new tools. We use these forms of mechanical reproduction to find ways of creating work of art either for entertainment or for personal purposes.