The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Even the most perfect reproduction of
a work of art is lacking in one element:
Its presence in time and space
Its unique existence at the place
Where it happens to be
Where it happens to be

This unique existence of the work of art
Determined the history to which it was subject
Throughout the time of its existence

This includes the changes which it may have
suffered in physical condition over the years
As well as the various
Changes in its ownership
Where it happens to be
Where it happens to be

The traces of the first can be revealed only by
Chemical or physical analyses
Which it is impossible to perform
On a reproduction

The changes of ownership are subject to a tradition
Which must be traced from the situation of the original

The presence of the original
Is the prerequisite to
The concept of authenticity
Is the prerequisite to

The presence of the original
Is the prerequisite to
The concept of authenticity
Authenticity
Authenticity
Authenticity
Authenticity



Credits
Writer(s): Juan Antonio Lopez
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

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