Rubens in the age of mechanical reproduction : the oeuvre of Peter Paul Rubens in illustrated art books, film and television (1877-1977)

Photographic and cinematic reproductions mediate our understanding of art. Acting as a learning tool, a stand-in for the original or a souvenir, it is impossible to think of art history without them. Unfortunately, there is a lack of critical approach toward these images. It is often overlooked how mechanical reproductions are unique interpretations with specific dimensions, textures and colour tones, mediating the original material and creating another (hi)story of the authentic artwork. Besides, each reproduction is used within a narrative, depending on the function of the medium in which it occurs. These media should therefore be understood as curatorial spaces, with all the institutional consequences. The examination of the mechanical reproductions of the works by baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens between his 300th and 400th birthday celebrations (1877 – 1977) reveals a lot of the choices that were made in order to create a “good reproduction”. Drawing on the theoretical discourse initiated by leading scholars such as Erwin Panofsky, Walter Benjamin, André Malraux and John Berger, we can distinguish different strategies (succession, juxtaposition, isolation) in order to decompose the multiplicity of visualisations and narratives that are generated by a single artwork. Due to the monumentality of Rubens’ works, most reproductions are made in situ; therefore revealing technical challenges and subjective aesthetical choices. Close-ups, zooming and cut outs will be more commonly used than with easel paintings. Moreover, his triptychs question whether or not to reproduce the frame as part of the artwork. How do these choices and interventions alter the meaning of the original image? What remains of the ‘master of colour’ in a black and white reproduction? How are Rubens’ dynamic compositions transformed when put into motion by the camera? Can we distinguish an evolution in the Rubens reception by looking at the formal characteristics of reproduction media?

Jaar van publicatie:2019

Toegankelijkheid:Open