Fotoreproductie van schilderij De graflegging van Christus door Carlo Crivelli, Vaticaanse Pinacotheek c. 1860 - 1900

This photograph of Carlo Crivelli's painting "The Deposition of Christ" was produced by Fratelli Alinari. As a photographic reproduction, its material is a light-sensitive emulsion on paper, a stark contrast to the original painting, likely tempera on panel. Photography in the 19th century involved a complex interplay of chemistry, optics, and labor. From the preparation of the light-sensitive materials to the careful manipulation of exposure and development, each step required technical skill. The sepia tone and the soft focus lend the image a sense of historical distance. Photographic reproduction democratized art, making masterpieces accessible to a wider audience. But this accessibility came at a cost. The aura of the original is inevitably diminished in reproduction. The photograph transforms the painting into a commodity, available for mass consumption. The Alinari brothers were pioneers in this industry, documenting Italian art and architecture on a large scale. Their work reflects the rise of a culture industry, where art becomes a source of profit and a tool for national branding. Considering the history of this image challenges us to think about the relationship between art, technology, and commerce.