Child's Face

An oil painting with the artist’s signature is valued because of inherent aesthetic qualities and as one of a kind. Its the original touched by the artist’s hand. You can’t duplicate it! Not yet!

The paintings in museums are one of a kind. In the future we will have new modes of scanning and printing technology. Cameras will be able to scan and record distance as well the light. Every pixel will have depth information and light. Such inevitable technological advances will challenge the meaning of the original. Printing devices will duplicate any surface quality or texture of paint and color. We will see copies which look exactly like the original masterpiece. Only forensic experts will be able to determine the difference. You will be able to buy a Rembrandt or Picasso at the grocery supermarket. Imagine, a 50 million dollar Rembrandt for $50.00. Will this affect the idea of one of a kind?