Single Idea 20397

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 2. Copies of Art]

Full Idea

If we could duplicate 'Mona Lisa', we're likely to be concerned to track the original and keep it separate from its clones, even if we judge that the clone isn't inferior to the original when the goal is art appreciation.

Gist of Idea

If we could perfectly clone the Mona Lisa, the original would still be special

Source

Stephen Davies (The Philosophy of Art (2nd ed) [2016], 4.3)

Book Reference

Davies,Stephen: 'The Philosophy of Art (2nd ed)' [Wiley Blackwell 2016], p.85


A Reaction

But why? Is it just a sentimental attachment to what Leonardo worked on? Does the original manuscript of a work of literature have the same importance? We treasure such things, but not for aesthetic reasons.