Reproductie van Madonna delle Ciliegie door Titiaan before 1892

This small reproduction of Titian’s “Madonna delle Ciliegie,” or Madonna of the Cherries, was made by an anonymous artist. Printed on paper, the image itself lacks the texture and depth of the original oil painting. Yet, the mechanical reproduction allows for a wider distribution of this iconic image, reflecting broader shifts in society. This was enabled by technological innovations in printing and publishing, and the rise of a consumer culture that craved affordable art. Unlike Titian's original painting, which would have been created through the labor-intensive processes of grinding pigments, mixing paints, and applying layers of color to canvas, this reproduction was likely made through industrial printing processes, involving the labor of factory workers, technicians, and distributors. The reduced scale and monochrome palette further flatten the image, underscoring its status as a commodity, and highlighting the impact of industrialization and consumerism on artistic production and consumption. The traditional distinctions between fine art and craft become blurred.