Fotoreproductie van schilderij Het huwelijk van de heilige Catharina door Murillo, Vaticaanse Pinacotheek c. 1860 - 1900

This is a photographic reproduction by Fratelli Alinari of Murillo's painting “The Marriage of Saint Catherine”, which is held in the Vatican Pinacoteca. Looking at this photograph we can see how the Alinari brothers played a crucial role in disseminating art historical knowledge in late 19th century Europe. Based in Florence, their firm documented artworks from across Italy and beyond. Reproductions such as this one were sold to collectors, scholars, and tourists, thus shaping the reception and understanding of art. In this image, made some centuries after the original painting, the very dark and light tones create meaning through visual codes and cultural references. The soft focus and sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, transforming a religious image into a collectible item. Art historians consult archives of photographs like this to trace the history of taste and the changing status of artworks over time. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.