Can you tell the difference between an Old Master painting and a contemporary replica?
Working with conceptual artist Doug Fishbone, Dulwich Picture Gallery is encouraging us to take a closer look at their permanent collection. How? Replacing one of their painting by a replica sourced from an artists’ workshop in China and hung in the frame belonging to the original. For three months the identity of the work will remain concealed.
Many Old Master painters, from Titian to Rubens, encouraged the copying of their work either in their workshops by apprentices or by independent copyists. There are several examples in Dulwich’s collection including workshop paintings such as Venus and Adonis and copies painted from the original by artists visiting the Gallery such as Constable’s copy of Ruisdael’s Windmills. Today, famous paintings are being reproduced in the millions with China dominating this export market.
For three months (10 February – 26 April) we are invited to find the replicated painting, which will hang in place of the original in Dulwich’s permanent display of 270 works. Winning answers will be entered into a draw to win one of five print-on-demand reproductions of chosen works in the Gallery’s collection. The answer will be revealed on 28 April when original and replica will hang side by side. Come and compare the two!
When: from 10/02 to 26/07
Where: Dulwich Picture Gallery – Gallery Road – London SE21 7AD
