Mastering The Copy

Can you create something new by copying?

Over the centuries, the term “copy” has meant much more than just a reproduction. Artists often depicted original works in other media – rendering paintings as engravings, or sculptures as drawings. In the process, they produced meticulous, professionally executed versions of the originals that were new, independent works in their own right.

This book has been compiled on the occasion of the exhibition, “Mastering the copy” at The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design. It brings together reproductions and archive material from the 19th century that have rarely or never been exhibited – from small miniatures and detailed prints to paintings and marble sculptures. The book offers insights into how 19th-century artists copied other artists’ art works, and how some built new careers from copying.

The book's chapters are written by Luisa Aubert, Mai Britt Guleng, Trine Nordkvelle, Møyfrid Tveit og Ingrid Wisløff Aars.

• Language: Norwegian and English
  
• Format: Pocket
  
• Pages: 207
  
• Size: 30 x 20,7 cm 
  
• Author: Mai Britt Guleng, Kristian Wikborg Wiese (red.)
  
• Release year: 2026
  
• Publisher: The National Museum
  
• ISBN: 9788281541672