Greater aura? The 19th and 20th century circulation of art reproductions in the press through a digital and historical perspective

This article presents preliminary findings from an extensive study on the circulation of artwork reproductions in illustrated press publications worldwide from the 1880s to the 1960s. In a rapidly modernizing society, where periodicals, catalogs, and printed books made images increasingly acces¬sible, printed reproductions played an often-overlooked role in shaping the reception of artists. One question we examine is whether artwork reproductions in the press contributed to the broader dissemination of artistic culture—through references to past cultural icons (Old Masters, historical ar¬tistic styles) or contemporary creation. Contrary to Walter Benjamin’s concerns about the “loss of aura” in mechanically reproduced art, did the circulation of printed reproductions actually enhance the aura of certain artworks and artists as their images reached wider audiences? The study identifies over 5,000 art images that circulated internationally between the 1880s and 1960s in a larger corpus of 14.2 million images. These art images rarely crossed social boundaries and were likely consumed by elite audiences. However, we do not con¬clude that the aura was necessarily maintained by this circu¬lation within elite circles. Some images were likely disseminated more due to commercial and technical factors rather than considerations of taste or admiration for the artists.