What happens to a work of art that is mechanically reproduced?

Question:Say you wanted to reproduce a painting (rather than a sculpture).

Take a transparency photograph of the painting using a large format copy camera with colour calibration bars to the sides. Transparencies will pick up more detail and colour information than a digital camera can.

Using a high-end drum scanner create a digital file from the transparency, adjust levels to make certain the colours are spot on (that is what the calibration bars are for) and add a colour profile to suit your output device.

Send it to print, check it inch by inch adjust if necessary, bingo.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Say you wanted to reproduce a painting (rather than a sculpture).

Take a transparency photograph of the painting using a large format copy camera with colour calibration bars to the sides. Transparencies will pick up more detail and colour information than a digital camera can.

Using a high-end drum scanner create a digital file from the transparency, adjust levels to make certain the colours are spot on (that is what the calibration bars are for) and add a colour profile to suit your output device.

Send it to print, check it inch by inch adjust if necessary, bingo.