Can You Trust Images of Art on the Web?
In comparison with shopping for branded consumer products, buying original items on the Internet makes you exceptionally vulnerable to deception. The unique item has no comparison and you are forced to base your judgment on what you see and read on-line. When it comes to more precious objects, such as works of art, the situation is particularly difficult. On-line you are led to look at art in a certain way, whereas in a real situation it is you who chose your approach. Some less scrupulous dealers turn this to their advantage. Not only the extent of the artwork’s spatial presentation is controlled, but also the visitor’s perception of color, texture and detail. In commerce presentation is everything. No one would want to showcase a large painting in its entirety on a thumbnail as it would pass unnoticed, but blowing up a carefully chosen detail isn’t that leading the web user astray? Isn’t that prejudicing him in his attempt to imagine the proposed art in reality? Leaving aside editing
