This article examines how JPEGs and digital reproduction have transformed the art market, making artworks widely accessible online but potentially altering the way audiences engage with original pieces. It explores the tension between convenience and authenticity, questioning whether the proliferation of digital images has enhanced or diminished the value of in-person viewing.
This matters because the shift to digital consumption affects everything from collector behavior and auction strategies to museum attendance and curatorial practices. As the art world increasingly relies on screens for discovery and sales, understanding the impact of this transformation is crucial for artists, dealers, institutions, and audiences navigating a rapidly changing landscape.