Art Reproduction – The Differences in Quality Explained

If you’ve been surfing the internet for art reproductions of a favourite painting that you want to have copied, you will have undoubtedly come across different levels of quality; Ranging from paintings that look like a bunch of toddlers have painted them to some mighty impressive looking reproduction oil paintings, that wouldn’t look completely out of a place in a museum.  As we get a lot of queries asking about the difference in levels of art reproduction quality, I thought I’d write this post to offer some explanation.

1.Commercial quality  – The lowest of the low

Art reproduction

Commercial Quality Art Reproductions - This beyond awful replica of Van Gogh's Sunflowers is a typical example of a commercial quality art reproduction found in China or by those art reproduction companies that buy their paintings from there.

As you can see by looking at this awful painting of Van Gogh’s sunflowers , (which looks nothing like the original that hangs proudly in the National Gallery here in London), there is no quality control in  commercial quality art reproductions.  They are painted quickly usually in a production line in huge art style factories in China. Commercial quality art reproductions are all about the quantity; usually you need to buy a minimum of at least 10 pieces. Furniture stores etc. usually buy commercial quality art reproduction paintings as they are dirt cheap and they just want something to cover up those bare walls. For this supposed art reproduction of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers shown above, you could easily get it for under $50, although you would really have to be desperate if not blind to hang this on your wall.

2.       Medium quality – Below Average

Art reproduction - medium quality

Medium quality Art reproductions. Van Gogh would be horrified!

Hmm Medium quality art reproduction paintings, as you can see, are a bit of an improvement on commercial replicas but unfortunately not that much better.  Medium quality reproductions are painted by amateur artists, detail is lacking and the image is quite sloppily and inaccurately painted. Colours and tones are also different from the original.  Again, stay clear.

3.       High Quality – Above average but not quite there yet.

Art Reproduction

High Quality Art Reproductions - Better but far from perfect

Art Reproductions that are termed high quality are generally said to be  80% accurate when compared to the original painting.  Brushwork and colours are presented well and the composition is accurate. You will notice that not all the details are there though, and the painting does look dull and flat. However these “high quality paintings” will be priced to reflect that they are only 80% accurate.

4.       Top Quality AKA Museum Quality – The crème de la crème

Art reproduction

A Musuem Quality Art Reproduction by Fabulous Masterpieces. Caravaggio's Head of Medusa.

Museum quality. This is without a doubt the best standard of art reproduction painting.  You can’t get any better. Museum quality art reproductions will be painted by the most senior and top painters who have an extremely  strong knowledge on art techniques but who are also very creative. I mean, whilst it is impossible to recreate a painting 100% just like the original, museum quality reproductions  are the nearest we’re ever going to get to owning an original masterpiece, without spending millions of pounds or robbing a National gallery.

Just to be clear, Fabulous Masterpieces only paint museum quality art reproductions. We’ve actually painted  replica oil paintings for museums and for art collectors too. Be careful of  art reproduction companies especially American ones that offer paintings at ridiculously low prices. There is a reason for this! In most cases you’ll actually receive a high quality art reproduction as opposed to the museum quality oil painting that you had hoped for.

Have a question?

We’d love to hear from you! If you would like to add something,  or ask a question concerning art reproduction please leave a comment.

Bye for now x

Fabulous Masterpieces is the Premier UK Art Reproduction company. Curious to learn more about us? Then please visit the About Fabulous Masterpieces page. 

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0 responses to “Art Reproduction – The Differences in Quality Explained”

  1. vangoghrepro says:

    Your blog is quite interesting as I, myself, do reproductions of Van Gogh’s work too.
    Thanks 🙂

  2. Courtney says:

    The number four painting is really interesting. It’s all about the Medusa’s evil. It can be sold by the believers of Gods and Goddesses. It looks like real and very impressive.

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