Chapter 13: The work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction.

Walter Benjamin , begins the chapter with the words of French poet Paul Vayer . stating the significance
of art and its components, Physical and Psychological.

Further the chapter is divided in 15 parts written in chronological order of mechanical reproduction
approach.

Part 1

• Principle of art is replication as stated by Plato himself “ art is replication of society”

• Art is itself replication

• Transformation of art due to approaching reproduction. It will encroach upon as the

environment in art exists is changing

Part 2

• Even the most perfect reproduction of art is lacking in one element.

• Even before reproduction was not significant as it was often termed as forgery.

• But reproduction has its own benefits : such as camera reproduction.

• The authenticity of art matters.

• Mechanical reproduction, beyond the realm of art? Yes indeed because it’s a symbiotic
relationship foundation.

Part 3 and 4

• New schools of scholars in the Roman era.

• Reproduction destroys the aura attatched with the art.

• The uniqueness in work of art is inseparable from its being imbedded in the fabric of tradition.

• The ritual of art being unique and authentic

Part 5

• The value of art on two poles

• The cult value and significance of art.

• With the different mode of mechanical reproduction the value is adjusted between the two
poles.
Part 6 and 7

• Photography exhibition value begins to displace cult value all along the line.

• They just turn out to be historical documents.

• Artistic value of art versus photography.

• Was photography a reproduction arts?

• Photography a different art.

Part 8 and 9

• Actor in person and actor on screen

• Stage vs. screen

• The point of view

• For films representation of actor himself instead of being someone else.

• Camera and market.

Part 10, 11 and 12

• Shooting a sound film, affords a spectacle unimaginable anywhere at any time before this.

• Presents a process of view.

• The mechanical reproduction has embedded deep in the roots of films and its interference has
made films illusionary

Part 13 14 and 15

• Mechanical reproduction changes the reaction of masses

• Painting is in no position to collective experience

• Mechanical reproduction is an inseparable

Arm.

• Mechanical reproduction or art inseparable it is a process as stated by Marx.

DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
AND MASS COMMUNICATION

PUSHKAR RANJAN
M.A MASS COMMUNICATION