Earliest Reproduction
Cave painting is the earliest form of reproduction dating approximately 17,300 years ago.
-Ritualistic: Trying to make the next hunt more successful.
-Documentation: The recording of a successful hunt.
What to consider about reproducing...
Is it the thing itself containing the spirit of the object or a representation of the thing?
Magical or logical?
Greek and Reproduction
The allegory of Plato's Cave is a metaphysical theory of a world beyond the world we see, with humans like prisoners in a cave. To Plato, everything is a reproduction, with art being the furthest from the pure form. Plato's theory is one of a hierarchy suggesting humans are below 'The One' and see only a shadow of the object, a vague representation of the real thing. The hierarchy is as follows:
The One
Geometry and Trigonometry
Pure form
Object in the real world
Reproduction of objects (art)
The importance of Plato's theory is still significant today, with the idea that art is an imitation of what already is an imitation resulting in the need to validate art in some way. However, Aristotle had a higher opinion of art, thinking art can help us understand the world. Where art strikes a balance between being not too real but real enough.
15th Century and Reproduction
The 15th Century held the development of the 'Mathmatical Linear Perspective'. The shift towards science rather than religion.
Technology Development and Reproduction
Iconoclasm
Iconoclasm meaning the destruction of an image was coined about 500-600 years ago. The busiest period was the conflict between Catholics and Protestants
