Artworks by Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Rafael and Modigliani go on show in London in February, free to view. There is one itty-bitty catch though — they're digital.
As Instagram, AR and NFTs render the art world skew-whiff, Unit London in Mayfair announces Eternalising Art History — a compact exhibition of digital artworks said to be almost indistinguishable from the originals.
Each of the six artworks — including Francesco Hayez's Il Bacio and Leonardo da Vinci's La Scapiliata is created using cutting edge digital tech, then framed in an exact replica of the original frame, moulded and handcrafted in Tuscany.
While art lovers might jump at the chance to ogle these masterpieces — many of which have never visited the UK — it's ultimately up to you to decide if a digital reproduction can nourish and inspire the soul like the original, or if it feels somehow limp and lacklustre. Still, at least it saves shelling out for a flight to Florence or Milan. (Man, we want to go to Florence or Milan now.)
The 'paintings' have been reproduced in cahoots with the various Italian galleries that hold the originals, and they'll receive 50% of any artwork sold; nine editions of each are available to purchase as Blockchain-certified pieces — at prices ranging from £100,000-£500,000. That'd be a steal for the real thing, but for a reproduction? Not so sure.
Anyway the digital art revolution's here, and who are we to stand in the way.
Eternalising Art History, Unit London, Mayfair, 15 February-19 March, free entry (although you'll need a few quid to purchase an artwork)