Reproductie van De laatste communie van Franciscus door Peter Paul Rubens before 1877

This reproduction of Peter Paul Rubens' "The Last Communion of St. Francis," was made by Joseph Maes, between 1838 and 1908. It's a print, likely made using a photomechanical process, that faithfully captures the textures of the original painting. The reproduction mimics Rubens' painterly style, with its dramatic lighting and dynamic composition. The original painting would have been made using oil paints, applied in layers to create depth and luminosity, whereas this is ink applied to a thin page. The choice of reproductive printmaking speaks to the rise of mass media. It allowed for wider dissemination of artistic masterpieces like Rubens', bringing them to audiences beyond the elite circles of patrons who could afford original artworks. While Rubens' painting was a product of the Baroque era's patronage system, this reproduction reflects the changing landscape of art consumption in the 19th century. It challenges our notions of authenticity and artistic value, raising questions about the role of reproduction in shaping our understanding of art history.